Hoefer SE215 - Manual (Page 13)

6
Mix the gradient and pump the solution into the caster.
While the solution is stirring, begin pumping from the
mixing chamber and open the stopcock to the reser-
voir chamber. As the last of the monomer solution is
leaving the mixing chamber, pour the plug solution
into the mixing chamber, leaving no opportunity for
air pockets to form in the tubing. Watch for the plug
solution to approach the bottom of the sandwiches (do
not pump plug solution into the bottom of the sand-
wiches) then turn off the pump and clamp the tubing
so that no air enters the gel caster.
7
Overlay each gel with a thin layer of water-saturated
n-butanol, water, or diluted gel buffer to prevent
gel exposure to oxygen. Apply the same amount to
each gel to keep the gel levels the same. Deliver the
overlay solution slowly near the spacer at the side of
the sandwich. Allow the solution to flow across the
surface unaided. Apply the same amount to each gel
to keep all gel levels equal.
8
Allow the gels to polymerize for a minimum of one
hour. Open the casting chamber over a sink and
discard the plug solution.
Note: Avoid repeated and
prolonged contact of
n-butanol with the acrylic
casting chamber to prevent the
acrylic from becoming opaque.
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