Bio-Rad PROTEAN® i12™ IEF System - Manual (Page 11)

PROTEAN i12 IEF System Instruction Manual | 7
Basic Operation
2
2.1 Setup
For best results, use the reagents and protocols available in the ReadyPrep ™
2-D starter kit (catalog #163-2105) to familiarize yourself with the 2-D
process and operation of the PROTEAN
® i12 ™ IEF cell.
2.1.1 i12 ™ Focusing Tray and Electrode Assemblies
The PROTEAN i12 electrode assemblies have 12 electrodes that fit the 12
channels in the i12 focusing tray. Each electrode accommodates the use of
electrode wicks and both the gel side-up and gel side-down IEF configurations: a
bridge on each electrode fits into the recessed area of the focusing tray to create
the flat surface required for the gel-side down configuration, and the electrodes
are spring-loaded, which allows them to exert a gentle downward pressure for
the gel-side up configuration.
Several features of the electrode assemblies ensure
their correct and complete attachment to the focusing tray (Figure 2.1):
■
Square and round orientation pins in the electrode assemblies ensure correct
positioning of the cathode and anode in the focusing tray
■
Release clips secure the electrode assemblies onto the focusing tray
■
Green tabs on the release clips help push the electrode assemblies into place
To place the electrode assemblies in the i12 focusing tray:
1. Grasp the electrode assembly by the release clips and position the orientation
pins as shown in Figure 2.1.
2. Push down on the green tabs until the locks click into place on the walls of
the focusing tray. With the gel-side down configuration, make sure that each
electrode is properly seated in the recessed area of the focusing tray.
To remove electrode assemblies from the focusing tray, grasp the green tabs
on the release clips and gently squeeze inward.