Bio-Rad GelAir Drying System - Manual (Page 7)

2.3 GelAir Assembly Table
The GelAir Assembly Table provides a smooth, flat surface for assembling and clamp-
ing the drying frame.
Section 3
Set-Up and Operation
3.1 Drying Acrylamide gels
Gel Preparation
Equilibrate the gel in water for a minimum of 5 minutes to minimize gel cracking during
drying.
Examine the gel and with a razor blade, carefully remove any areas of the gel which are
noticeably thicker. Bio-Rad’s Ready Gels and other brands of precast gels have a noticeably
thicker edge along the bottom of the gel. The noticeably thicker edges must be removed to
prevent gel cracking.
Frame Assembly
1. Place the molded bottom frame on the assembly table with the textured side up.
2. Fully submerge a sheet of cellophane in water.
3. Lay the wetted sheet of cellophane on top of the assembly table. It should lay flat and
should be centered over the assembly table and plastic frame. Make sure that the edges of
the cellophane are hanging over all four sides of the frame. Using your fingers, smooth
away any wrinkles and remove air bubbles trapped beneath.
Fig. 4. Drying frame assembly.
3
Gels
Cellophane
Assembly Table
Bottom Frame