Bio-Rad High-Throughput Dodeca™ Gel Stainers - Manual (Page 12)

Section 3
Operation
3.1 Preparation
3.1.1 Introduction
Load the appropriate amount of sample per gel according to the sensitivity of the
stain. For silver stain, all the gels processed should contain approximately the
same amount of protein load, to prevent over or under development. Development
time is dependent on the amount of protein loaded per gel and it is stopped
simultaneously for the entire stack of gels in the Dodeca stainer.
3.1.2 Reagent Solutions
Refer to the stain instruction manual for detailed reagent preparation.
Note: Keep in mind that reagent and water quality are key factors to obtain optimal
staining results.
The large Dodeca stainer requires 10 liters of solutions and the small Dodeca
stainer requires 7 liters. The working volume of solutions prepared may be adjusted
according to the number of trays used. Refer to Table 5A, page 13, for solution
volumes calculations.
3.2 Dodeca Stainer Setup
3.2.1 Determine the staining tray configuration needed for your gel size from
Table 1A. Gel Size Compatibility.
3.2.2 Ensure the Dodeca stainer is properly cleaned before use. See Section 5
Maintenance.
3.3 Transferring Gels to the Staining Trays
3.3.1 Open the gel cassette and detach the gel from the spacers and IPG strip
(for 2-D gels) by sliding the green gel releaser tool (catalog #165-3320), razor
blade, or equivalent along the entire length of each spacer.
Note: Gels that are not completely released from the spacer can easily
tear.
Fig. 3.3.1 A. Detaching the gel from the spacers
using the gel releaser tool.
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