Bio-Rad PROTEAN® i12™ IEF System - Manual (Page 6)

Chapter 1 PROTEAN i12 IEF System
2 | PROTEAN i12 IEF System Instruction Manual 2 |
1.1 System Components
The PROTEAN i12 IEF system comprises the
PROTEAN i12 IEF cell, electrode assemblies, i12
focusing trays, and other accessories that make IEF
and system maintenance possible.
1.1.1 PROTEAN i12 IEF Cell
The PROTEAN i12 IEF cell (Figure 1.2, Table
1.1) contains 12 individual power supplies, each
dedicated to a single IPG strip. This individual
power control for each lane allows use of IPG strips
with different pH gradients and sample types,
concentrations, and conductivities in a single run. It
also allows programming of different protocols.
The touch-screen user interface is used to operate
the cell, retrieve preprogrammed and user-defined
protocols, create new or edit saved protocols, and
access the internal memory for file management.
New protocols, sample details, and run data are
stored in the internal memory or on an external USB
flash drive.
Table 1.1. PROTEAN i12 IEF cell components.
Component Description
User interface Controls the PROTEAN i12 cell; touch
screen operated by hand, stylus, or mouse
Opaque lid Protects light-sensitive labels from
photobleaching
Safety lid
Safety interlock
Peltier platform Holds one focusing tray and maintains
temperature during the run
USB ports 4 USB ports (1 USB-A in front, 2 USB-A
and 1 USB-B in back) for connection to a
USB mouse and USB flash drive(s)
Power switch For powering the cell on and off
Stylus storage Slot for storage of stylus
Internal memory System hardware; includes preprogrammed
protocols and can be used to store user-
defined protocols and data files
Leveling feet Used to level the cell if needed
Preprogrammed protocols stored in the internal memory serve as a convenient starting point for developing
optimized, sample-specific IEF conditions. A USB flash drive can also be used as an alternative storage
location or method of transfer for protocols and run data files.
PROTEAN i12 Reporter, a web-based application (www.i12reporter.com), is also available for uploading run
data files, viewing electronic profiles for individual lanes, and comparing sample profiles from different runs.
The application can be used to generate reports, print graphs, and create protocols. Protocols created with
the application can be transferred to the PROTEAN i12 IEF cell using a USB flash drive.
Fig. 1.2. PROTEAN i12 cell. A, Front view with all lids closed; B, Front
view showing the safety lid closed and opaque lid open; C, Back view.
B
C
Opaque lid
Safety lid
Power switch
USB ports
Safety lid
A
User interface
Stylus storage
USB port
Power switch
Opaque lid