Bio-Rad Model 785 Vacuum Blotter - Manual (Page 15)

5.3 Repairing Cracked Gels
A slightly damaged gel can be transferred with the Model 785 Vacuum Blotter. The
gel can be successfully transferred if it is partially torn on the side. However, if the gel is
completely cracked in two, or if it cracks in four, the chance of a successful transfer will
vary from case to case. The following instructions can help you piece together and
transfer a damaged gel.
1. Pretreat the gel as described in Section 3.3. Do not use the Rapid Transfer Procedure,
Section 3.3 for cracked gels. Carry out Steps 1–4 of Section 3.4.
2. Assemble the gel pieces on the casting tray. Dry the top and the cracked side of the
gel with filter paper or absorbance paper.
3. Tape both ends of the casting tray to hold the gel in place.
4. Use a pasteur pipet to pipet melted agarose along the cracked area. Allow the agarose
to dry.
5. Remove the tape and squirt distilled water under the gel with a squirt bottle. The
water allows the gel to slide out of the tray easily.
6. Carefully slide gel onto the Gasket Window at a low angle. Try to minimize
manipulation of gel.
7. Carefully remove bubbles underneath the gel by gently pressing them out to the
sides.
8. Carry out Steps 6–12 of Section 3.4.
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