Bio-Rad Model 111 Mini IEF Cell - Manual (Page 19)

Note: Do not heat the casting tray to more than 55 °C. Extended heating above this
temperature may cause the spacers to separate from the casting tray and may cause the tray to
warp.
5. Remove a sheet of Gel Support Film for Agarose (catalog number 170-2984) from the
package.
6. Test for hydrophobic side by placing a drop of water on the film. The water beads on the
hydrophobic side, and spreads on the hydrophilic side.
7. Pipet a few drops of water onto the glass plate.
8. Place the hydrophobic side of the Gel Support Film for Agarose against the plate.
9. Roll the Gel Support Film for Agarose flat with a test tube or similar object to force out
excess water and air bubbles.
10. Remove the casting tray from the oven and place it on a level surface.
11. Heat a glass pipet with hot water and pipet 4 ml of the warm agarose solution in a bead across
the width of the casting tray.
12. Carefully lower the Glass Plate (with the gel support film side down) onto the agarose. Allow
the agarose to spread completely underneath the glass plate. Some agarose may extend outside
the glass plate.
13. If there are any areas under the Glass Plate not filled with agarose, simply tilt the casting tray
and the agarose should fill in these areas quickly.
14. If there are any air bubbles trapped, tapping on the Glass Plate should remove them.
15. The gel will solidify within 10-15 minutes. At this point, let the gel “age” at 4 °C (refrigerate)
for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight. The gels may be left in the casting tray.
Simply cover the tray with plastic wrap to prevent dehydration of the gel.
16. To lift the gel from the casting tray:
a. Lift one corner with a flat spatula inserted between the gel and the casting tray
(Figure 6.1).
Fig. 6.1. Loosening the plate.
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