Bio-Rad Experion Protein Analysis Kits - Manual (Page 36)

Appendix B — Cleaning the Electrodes
Two types of cleaning procedures ensure the best results from the Experion ™ electrophoresis
station: 1) a deep-cleaning procedure, which applies electrode cleaner directly to electrode
pins using swabs, and 2) a routine procedure, which only uses special cleaning chips and is
performed after every run.
Method 1: Deep Cleaning
This manual procedure applies Experion electrode cleaner directly to the 16 platinum pins
in the electrode manifold. Perform this procedure:
• Prior to first use of the Experion electrophoresis station
• Between a protein and an RNA analysis
• Any other time when RNase contamination is suspected or any contamination (for
example, salt deposits or other precipitates) is visible on the electrodes
• Whenever a chip has been left in the instrument for an extended period of time (for
example, overnight)
Perform this procedure with the electrode manifold in place (installed in the electrophoresis
station). It requires the following supplies, all of which are included in the Experion Pro260
starter kit:
• Experion electrode cleaner
• Experion DEPC-treated water
• Foam swabs
Warnings: Keep the chip platform completely dry during this procedure. Cover the chip
platform using plastic wrap and a paper towel to protect it from liquid.
1. Ensure that power to the electrophoresis station has been shut off.
2. Add 0.5–1 ml Experion electrode cleaner to a microcentrifuge tube. Insert a swab into
the solution until it is saturated with the electrode cleaner.
3. Use the swab to lightly scrub each electrode pin one at a time, on all four sides. Do not
press too hard on the pins, as they may bend. Finally, clean the tip of each pin. Add
more electrode cleaner to the swab as necessary.
-Or-
Move the swab up and down, and side to side, 2–3 times along the columns and rows
of pins. Finally, clean the tips of each of the pins. Add more electrode cleaner to the
swab as necessary.
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 1 min. Then remove the chip.
6. Allow the pins to dry completely by leaving the lid open for at least 10 min.
Note: Refer to the Experion system instruction manual for more details and images.
32
10010510A.qxp 2/13/2008 11:44 AM Page 32