Bio-Rad Trans-Blot® Cell - Manual (Page 4)

Section 1
Introduction
Blotting was first performed by Southern 1 in 1975 with the transfer of DNA from agarose
gels to nitrocellulose membranes. Blotting has subsequently been applied to RNA 2-4 and pro-
tein 5,6 from both agarose and polyacrylamide gels. To overcome the inefficiencies observed
in various capillary transfers, electric current was used to elute protein from polyacrylamide
gels, as first described by Towbin
7 et al. in 1979. Since that time, electrophoretic transfer has
been applied to DNA and RNA. 8-14 Numerous publications have dealt with the topic of pro-
tein electrophoretic transfer technique. 15-26 There have also been several reviews summariz-
ing the literature on electrophoretic blotting. 27-33
The Trans-Blot cell is available with standard electrode cards or with plate electrodes,
which consist of a platinum-coated titanium anode and a stainless steel cathode. The Trans-
Blot cell allows electrophoretic transfers to be performed in the standard configuration, with
either set of electrodes positioned 8 cm apart, using up to three gel holders positioned between
the electrodes. Removable electrodes can be positioned 4 cm apart with one gel holder
between. This allows generation of a high intensity electrical field, when used in combination
with the PowerPac 200 Power Supply. An optional Super Cooling Coil is available for tem-
perature control during routine blots and high power transfers.
1.1 Specifications
Construction
Trans-Blot tank Molded polysulfone
Electrode cards Cathode 18” Anode 25”
Anode plate electrode Platinum-coated titanium
Cathode plate electrode Stainless steel
Gel holder Acrylic
Overall dimensions 24 x 18 x 9.5 cm
Gel holder dimensions 21 x 17 cm
Buffer capacity 3 L
Transfer capacity 3 gel holders
Cleaning Use mild soap and warm water to clean the elec-
trodes, cassettes, and buffer tank. Use special
care when cleaning the electrode cards or plate
electrodes. Avoid stretching or breaking the plat-
inum wires. Avoid scratching or marring the plat-
inum plate. Do not use abrasives or strong
detergents. The cathode plate (stainless steel)
can be cleaned with a mild abrasive to remove
salt that may be deposited during normal opera-
tion. Rinse the fiber pads under hot water and
then in distilled, deionized water.
Chemical compatibility The Trans-Blot cell components are not compati-
ble with chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., chloro-
form), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene,
benzene), or acetone. Use of organic solvents
voids all warranties.
1