Amersham Biosciences Hoefer DALT, User Manual, Page: 35 / 70

Hoefer DALT System Loading and Running Second Dimension Gels
Amersham Biosciences
31
Loading Cassettes into the DALT Tank
1. Carefully load the cassettes after the agarose overlay has fully solidified.
The cassettes are correctly loaded in running orientation in the DALT Tank slot
with the IPG strips vertical along the left, or cathode (-), side and the rubber cassette
hinge along the bottom (Figure 18). Dip the hinge side of the cassette into the tank
buffer first to lubricate it before inserting it into the flap seals. Use both hands to
slide cassettes firmly to the bottom.
Be careful! The plates slip easily once your hands are immersed in tank buffer. Do
not drop the plates into the tank and onto the circulation flutes.
Figure 18. Inserting loaded
cassette into DALT Tank
2. Adjust the buffer level after all the cassettes are loaded in position.
I
MPORTANT
The tank buffer level should be even with the uppermost spacer of the
cassette and neither above the top of the cassette nor below the level of
the top edge of the gel. If the level is too low or too high, add SDS
electrophoresis buffer or use the siphon pump to correct the buffer
level.
3. After the last cassette has been introduced into the tank, close the lid (Figure 19).
Figure 19. Lift the lid
slightly at its center hinge
to make sure the banana
leads make contact with
the recessed plugs.
Cassette
Barrier comb
Buffer circulation flutes
IPG strip
Hinge
Banana plug lead
Banana plug
Center lid hinge