Bio-Rad Model 111 Mini IEF Cell - Manual (Page 24)

Problem Cause Solution
e. Ampholyte contamination e. Check ampholyte for bacterial
or deterioration contamination.
Solution will look cloudy.
Inspect under a microscope.
Check date of receipt and
storage conditions.
5. No current/power at a. Poor gel/electrode a. Lightly moisten Graphite
recommended voltage. contact. Electrode before applying
gel.
b. Electrodes dirty. b. Remove residue with
tissue and water. Always
clean electrodes after run.
c. Poor electrical contact in c. Make sure lid is pushed on
unit. completely and electrodes
are properly seated.
7.2 Casting Troubleshooting: Polyacrylamide Gels
Problem Cause Solution
1. Gel does not adhere to a. Incomplete a. Use only high purity
backing; sticks to casting polymerization. acrylamide and Bis. Inferior
tray. monomers are difficult to
polymerize.
Store solutions in amber
bottles at 4 °C for no more
than 4 weeks.
Make fresh catalyst solutions
daily.
Use higher catalyst levels
with ampholytes other than
Bio-Lyte ampholytes.
Degas longer if gels are
polymerized exclusively with
APS or TEMED. Degas for
shorter time if riboflavin is
one of the catalysts.
Primary amine ampholytes,
especially basic species,
contribute to short chain
polymer formation like the
polymerization seen when
high levels of TEMED are
used. Reduce ampholyte
concentration to 1%, do not
degas or add polymerization
inhibitor. Only use TEMED
when combined with APS
and riboflavin-5'-PO4.
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