Bio-Rad Experion Protein Analysis Kits - Manual (Page 16)

3.6 Prime the Chip
1. Pipet 12 µl GS into the top right well of the chip (highlighted and labeled GS, gel priming well)
(Figure 3.1). Insert the pipet tip vertically and to the bottom of the well when dispensing. Dispense
slowly to the first stop on the pipet, and do not expel air at the end of the pipetting step.
2. On the priming station, set the pressure setting to B and the time setting to 3, as specified by the
alphanumeric code on the chip (Figure 3.1).
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3. Open the Experion priming station and place the chip on the chip platform, matching the arrow on
the chip with the alignment arrow on the chip platform. A post on the chip prevents insertion in the
wrong position. Do not force the chip into position.
4. Close the priming station by pressing down on the lid. The lid should snap closed.
5. Press Start. A “Priming” message appears on the screen of the priming station, and the timer counts
down. Priming requires approximately 60 sec. Do not open the priming station during countdown.
6. An audible signal and “Ready” message indicate that priming is complete. Open the priming station
and remove the chip. If the lid sticks, press down on it while pressing down on the release lever.
7. Turn the chip over and inspect the microchannels for bubbles or evidence of incomplete priming. If
the chip is primed properly, the microchannels will be difficult to see (it may be helpful to compare a
primed chip to a new, unused chip). If you detect a problem, such as a bubble or incomplete priming,
prime a new chip.
8. Place the chip on a clean surface for loading.
Start the run within 5 min of priming and loading the chip. For help with chip loading, refer to the
Experion Training Video: Chip Loading, available in the Experion software Help section under
Contents and Index > Contents > Appendices > Technical Videos.
Bubbles forced into microchannels during priming take the shape of the microchannel and are
elongated, not round.
Experion Automated Electrophoresis System
Fig . 3 .1 . Experion Pro260 chip . The locations of the gel priming
well (GS, highlighted) and alphanumeric priming code are indicated.
Gel priming well
Priming code