Instruction Manual Cast-It™ Gel CASTER
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ASSEMBLING GEL PLATES FOR CASTING
Picture 1: Invert casting base.
Picture 2: Place gel assembly.
Picture 3: Turn handles.
See Table 1 for volumes of acrylamide mixture needed. Pour gel solution slowly to avoid any
bubbles. When gel is poured place comb at top to create wells.
Remove gels from the Cast-It™ center unit and place them into the electrophoresis chamber.
Table 1:
Unit
Twin S
Twin M
Twin ExW S Twin L
0.8 mm spacer 8 ml
18 ml
16 ml
32 ml
1.5 mm spacer 15 ml
34 ml
30 ml
60 ml
The center unit of the Cast-It™ is attached to the casting
base with safety cams and slot arrangement.
For casting gels remove the center unit from the base.
Invert casting base (picture 1).
Place the center of the Cast-It™ on the inverted casting
base. The notches of the center unit need to lock into
the four acrylic squares on the underside of the casting
base. Arrange a gel assembly including a notched
glass plate, side spacers and a blank glass plate. Place
the assembly onto one side of the center unit. Slide the
side clamps over the assembly and tighten the screws
(picture 2). DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Place a second
gel assembly on the other side. If you only want to cast
one gel, place a blank glass plate or a blocking plate,
on the other side. The bottom of the glass plates needs
to sit flat on the acrylic squares of the inverted casting
base to obtain a good seal. Remove the center unit and
turn around the casting base.
Wet silicone mats with e.g. water or buffer to prolong
their life span.
Place the center unit onto the casting base. Insert the
casting cams (with handles pointing up) into the holes
in the center unit. Simultaneously, turn cams one half
turn to tighten the assembly onto the gasket of the
casting base.
Once the glass plates are secured into the casting base
the gel may be poured. (An initial leak test using a
small amount of water is recommended - add 2 - 3 ml
of water and let stand for 2 minutes. If no leakage is
visible, remove water and proceed with gel casting. If
leakage occurs, take assembly apart and try again.)