Bio-Rad High-Throughput Dodeca™ Gel Stainers - Manual (Page 15)

3.6 Filling the Solution Tank
3.6.1 Make sure the drain ports (stopcocks) are closed.
3.6.2 Open the reagent access door and add the reagent.
Note: Pour the reagents against the wall of the staining tank to avoid
excess splashing.
3.6.3 Add reagent until it reaches 0.5 cm above the top cover tray.
3.7 Starting the Staining Procedure
3.7.1 Turn the power switch on the shaker control unit on.
3.7.2 Slowly increase the speed until the gels move freely. See Table 3.7A for
recommended speed settings by gel type and size.
Important: Acrylamide gels may temporarily adhere to the staining trays
during the first few minutes of the first staining step. It is recommended to
increase the speed from 6–10 for a short while, to facilitate the release of the
gels. Do not leave the gels unattended during this time. After the gels have
been freed from the trays, slow down the speed to the recommended
setting for the rest of the process to prevent gel damage.
Note: Switch the power to the shaker motor OFF whenever solutions are
being exchanged.
Table 3.7 A. Recommended speed settings according to
gel size and type.
The shaker speed should be adjusted according to gel size and number of
gels, to achieve optimum results. The ideal shaking speed should move all gels
synchronously from side to side, while remaining gentle enough not to damage the
acrylamide matrix.
Staining No. of Trays Shaker Control
Process Gel Size (excludes cover tray) Unit Setting
Standard Processing Large format* 1–6 trays 3–4
(less than 6 hrs) 7–12 trays 4–5
Criterion* 1–6 trays 4–5
7–12 trays 5–6
Overnight Incubation 1–12 trays 1–2
* Large format includes gel sizes 16 x 16 cm up to 25.6 x 23 cm. Criterion gels are sized 13.3 x 8.7 cm.
3.8 Draining the Solution Tank
3.8.1 Connect tubing to the drain ports (stopcocks).
3.8.2 Place the tubing in an appropriately sized reservoir or sink. To achieve
maximum draining speed, use both drain ports and place the reservoir
3–4 feet below the Dodeca stainer.
3.8.3 Open the drain ports (stopcocks) to begin draining the reagent from the
tank.
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