Bio-Rad Trans-Blot® SD Semi-Dry Transfer Cell - Manual (Page 4)

Section 1
Introduction
The standard capillary transfer of DNA/RNA from agarose gels to blotting membranes is
usually an overnight procedure. 1-3 The Trans-Blot SD DNA/RNA blotting kit, used with the
Trans-Blot SD semi-dry transfer cell, allows blotting of DNA and RNA from agarose gels to
nylon membrane in only minutes, without any gel pretreatments. The Trans-Blot SD semi-dry
electrophoretic transfer cell generates a high field strength (V/cm
2 ) which facilitates rapid
transfers. The blotting kit produces highly efficient transfers by eliminating crushing of agarose
gels. PCR* fragments, plasmid, and vector DNA ranging in size from several hundred bases
to 15 kilobases can be transferred in as little as 10 minutes. Set-up time is reduced to just
minutes because hydrolyzation of DNA fragments is not required prior to transfer. The blot-
ting kit can also transfer RNA to 3.5 kb in 30-35 minutes, although transfer of 28s RNA is
equally efficient as determined by EtBr staining.
4
Read the Trans-Blot SD transfer cell instruction manual thoroughly before per-
forming semi-dry electrophoretic DNA or RNA transfers.
1.1 Specifications
Construction:
Gel support frame Molded polycarbonate
Overall frame size: 16 x 21 cm
Maximum gel size: 15 x 20 cm
Cleaning: Use mild soap and warm water to clean the gel support frame.
For cleaning the Trans-Blot SD semi-dry electrophoretic transfer
cell, refer to the semi-dry cell instruction manual.
Chemical compatibility: The gel support frame is not compatible with TCA (trichloroacetic
acid), chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. chloroform), aromatic
hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene, benzene), or acetone. Use of such
organic solvents voids all warranties.
NOTE: The kit is intended for gels with dimensions of up to 15 x 20 cm. To blot a unique
size gel, adjustments must be made in transfer membrane and blot paper dimensions. For
questions regarding the proper assembly and operation of the Trans-Blot SD semi-dry
electrophoretic transfer cell, refer to the instruction manual provided with the instrument.
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