Bio-Rad DCode™ Universal Mutation Detection System - Manual (Page 37)

Pre-heating the Running Buffer
1. Fill the electrophoresis tank to the “Fill” line with 7 L of 1x TAE buffer.
Note: It is recommended that the running buffer not be reused. Reusing the running buffer
may affect the migration rate and band resolution.
2. Place the temperature control module on top of the chamber. Attach the power cord to the
temperature control module and turn the power and heater switch on. The clear loading
lid should be on the temperature control module during preheating.
3. Set the temperature to the desired temperature. Set the temperature ramp rate to 200°C/hr.
to allow the buffer to reach the desired temperature the quickest.
4. Preheat the buffer to the set temperature. It can take 1 to 1.5 hours for the system to heat
the buffer up to the set temperature. Heating the buffer in a microwave helps reduce the
preheating time.
Assembling the CDGE Gel Sandwich
For constant denaturing gel formats, a 16 x 16 cm gel sandwich is recommended. To insure
proper alignment, make sure all plates and spacers are clean and dry before assembly. Use
caution when assembling the glass plate sandwiches. Wear gloves and eye protection at all
times.
1. Assemble the gel sandwich on a clean surface. Lay the large rectangular plate down first,
then place the left and right spacers of equal thickness along the short edges of the
larger rectangular plate.
2. Place a short glass plate on top of the spacers so that it is flush with the bottom edge of
the long plate.
3. Loosen the single screw of each sandwich clamp by turning it counterclockwise. Place
each clamp by the appropriate side of the gel sandwich with the locating arrows facing up
and toward the glass plates (Figure 4.17).
33