Bio-Rad High-Throughput Dodeca™ Gel Stainers - Manual (Page 22)

Silver Stain Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Solution
7. Dark background a. Low quality reagents a. Contaminants will
or contaminated catalyze non-specific
water formation of metallic
silver. Use high purity
reagents and deionized
water
b. Over development b. Monitor the development
of the gel step carefully and stop
quickly by draining
through both drain ports
(stopcocks). Then
quickly add the stop
solution through the
reagent access door of
the lid. The drain/fill
cycle should be no
longer than 3 minutes
c. Overloaded protein c. Adjust the protein sample
sample load so it is appropriate
for this detection
method
d. Incorrect preparation d. Refer to the silver stain
of silver stain instruction manual,
solutions paying special attention
to the image developer
concentrate amounts
8. Poor sensitivity a. Inactive reagents or a. Use the silver stain kit
inaccurate dilution or components within their
incorrect incubation recommended shelf life
times
Confirm solution
preparation and
incubation times are
correct. Pay special
attention to the amount
of image developer
concentrate
b. Low protein sample b. Adjust the protein sample
load load so it is appropriate
for this detection
method
Sypro Ruby Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Solution
9. Weak or no a. Residual Coomassie a. Clean the Dodeca stainer
fluorescent signal stain in the system thoroughly before
inhibits the fluorescent switching from
signal Coomassie based stain
to fluorescent stains
b. Low protein sample b. Adjust the protein sample
load load so it is appropriate
for this detection method
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