Bio-Rad Experion DNA Analysis Kits - Manual (Page 20)

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4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice, each time with a fresh swab soaked in DEPC-treated water.
5. Fill a cleaning chip with 800 μl DEPC-treated water, and place the chip in the electrophoresis station
for 5 min.
6. Remove the chip and allow the pins to dry by leaving the lid open for 5–10 min.
Method 2: Routine Cleaning (After Each Run)
Clean the electrode manifold in the Experion electrophoresis station after each run using the following
procedures. Such routine cleaning is essential for maintaining the electrophoresis station and preventing
buildup and cross-contamination.
The type of cleaning procedure you will need to use depends on the types of samples being analyzed:
n
Routine cleaning for protein and DNA analysis involves a single rinse step with water after
each run
n
Routine cleaning for RNA analysis involves 2 types of cleaning: 1) a two-step process
performed daily before running chips and 2) rinsing the electrodes with DEPC-treated water
after each run
Each box of chips contains 1 (protein, DNA) or 2 (RNA) reusable cleaning chips to be used for
routine cleaning. Never store the cleaning chip inside the electrophoresis station. Store the empty
cleaning chip covered to keep the wells clean.
Routine Cleaning — Protein and DNA Analysis
Use this procedure to clean the electrode manifold in the Experion electrophoresis station immediately
after each run.
1. Fill a cleaning chip with 800 µl deionized water (0.2 µm filtered; use DNase-free water for DNA
analysis). Gently tap the side of the cleaning chip to remove any trapped bubbles from the wells.
2. Place the cleaning chip on the chip platform of the electrophoresis station. Then close the lid and
leave it closed for 1 min.
3. Open the lid, remove the cleaning chip, and allow the electrodes to dry for 1 min. Close the lid.
4. Replace the water in the cleaning chip after each use to avoid contamination. For storage, remove the
water from the cleaning chip and store the chip in a clean location.
Routine Cleaning — RNA Analysis
This procedure involves two protocols: a two-step process that is performed before RNA analysis (for
example, at the beginning of a work day) and a rinse step performed following each RNA analysis. It
uses two cleaning chips: one with DEPC-treated water, and the other with Experion electrode cleaner.
Experion electrode cleaner removes RNases from the electrode, and the water rinse removes traces of
the cleaner from the electrodes to prevent it from affecting the analysis.
If the cleaning chips are being used for the first time, wash them with electrode cleaner to remove any
RNase contamination:
1. Fill the two cleaning chips with 800 μl Experion electrode cleaner. Let sit for 5 min and then remove
the electrode cleaner.
2. Rinse the chips by adding 800 μl DEPC-treated water and letting it sit for 1 min. Repeat this step four
more times.
3. Label the cleaning chips: dedicate one for DEPC-treated water and the other for electrode cleaner.
Experion Automated Electrophoresis System