Bio-Rad Sub-Cell® Model 192 Cell - Manual (Page 12)

Removable Tray (UVTP) Gel Casting
Casting gels on the base stage with UVTP tray
1. Level the cell using the leveling bubble provided.
2. Place the UVTP tray on the cell base stage.
Note: The Sub-Cell Model 96 system requires the 25 x 10 cm UVTP tray for casting in
the base. Sub-Cell Model 192 system requires the 25 x 15 cm UVTP tray for casting in
the base.
3. Slide the gel casting gates into the slots at opposite ends of the base stage. Ensure the
gates are evenly seated in the slots and the gates uniformly contact all edges of the UVTP
tray. The weight of the gates provide a tight seal to avoid any leakage problems during gel
casting.
4. Place the comb(s) into the appropriate slot(s) of the trays so that the sample wells are
near the cathode (black). DNA samples will migrate towards the anode (red) during elec-
trophoresis.
5. Prepare the desired concentration and amount of agarose in 1x electrophoresis buffer
(see section 2.1). When the agarose solution has cooled to 50-60˚ C pour the molten
agarose between the gates.
Warning: Hot agarose (>60 ˚C) may cause the tray to warp or craze and will decrease the
lifetime of the tray. Warping may also result in sample wells of uneven depth.
6. Allow 30 – 60 minutes for the gel to solidify at room temperature.
7. Carefully remove the comb from the solidified gel. Remove the gel casting gates.
8. Submerge the gel beneath 2 to 6 mm of 1x electrophoresis buffer (see Section 3, Gel and
Electrophoresis Reagent Preparation). Use greater depth overlay (more buffer) with
increasing voltages to avoid pH and heat effects.
Gel Caster Method
1. Level the gel caster on the lab bench using the leveling bubble provided.
2. Disengage and slide the movable wall to the open end of the gel caster by turning and
lifting the cam peg upward.
3. Place the UVTP tray against the fixed wall of the gel caster.
4. Slide the movable wall against the edge of the UVTP tray (Figure 2.1).
5. To seal the open tray ends, engage the cam peg by turning and pressing downward simul-
taneously.
6. Once the cam peg has dropped down into the appropriate slot, turn the peg in either
direction until resistance is felt. This action seals the ends of the tray for casting.
9