Bio-Rad GelAir Drying System - Manual (Page 13)

Fig. 12. Agarose gel assembly.
Note: Do not use the plastic wrap layer when drying an agarose gel on gel bond. Both the
gel bond and the plastic wrap are impermeable to water and the gel will not dry.
3. Drying times for agarose gels, as with acrylamide gels, are dependent upon gel thick-
ness. Because agarose gels are generally much thicker than acrylamide gels, their drying
times are longer. Agarose slab gels (1%, 6-10 mm thick) require approximately 7-9 hours
in the GelAir dryer. Do not dry agarose gels under ambient benchtop conditions. Agarose
gels should be dried in the GelAir dryer.
After the gel is dry, remove the plastic wrap and upper layer of cellophane. If you wish
to remove the cellophane backing, rub the cellophane with a damp cloth until it just begins to
hydrate. The cellophane can then be easily peeled off the gel. The agarose gel will be unaf-
fected because it will rehydrate only with heating. Note: This technique will not work with
acrylamide gels.
Section 4
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance
The GelAir Drying System requires very little maintenance to assure reliable operation.
To clean the drying oven, wipe the inside of the drying chamber with a damp cloth. To clean
the assembly table and drying frame, rinse with water.
It is important to wipe up any excess solution that is spilled either on top of the dryer or
within the dryer to reduce the chance of electrical shock hazard.
Troubleshooting
The following is a guide to troubleshooting your GelAir Drying System.
No Power to the Dryer
Check to insure the unit is plugged into a live power outlet. Check that the input voltage
rating of the dryer matches the local voltage.
No Heat from the Dryer
Check whether the heat on/off switch is in the on position. Check to see if the fan is oper-
ating. If the fan does not operate after turning the timer switch to the on or timer mode posi-
tion, call Bio-Rad Laboratories. If there is still no heat, call Bio-Rad Laboratories.
Cellophane
Cellophane
Plastic Wrap
Agarose Gel
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