Bio-Rad Experion DNA Analysis Kits - Manual (Page 14)

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3.1 Set Up the Electrophoresis Station
1. If needed, perform a deep cleaning of the electrodes (see Appendix B for instructions).
2. Power on the computer and then power on the Experion electrophoresis station by pushing the
green button in the center of the front panel. The steady green LED above the button indicates the
unit is on.
3. Launch Experion software. If the instrument and computer are communicating properly:
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A green dot and the last 4 digits of the instrument serial number appear at the lower right of the
software screen
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The electrophoresis station icon appears in the upper left corner
When there is no connection, these indicators are absent and a grayed-out instrument icon appears
at the upper left of the software screen.
3.2 Equilibrate the Kit Reagents
1. Equilibrate the following kit reagents to room temperature for 15–20 min:
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DNA stain (blue cap)
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DNA loading buffer (yellow cap)
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DNA gel (green cap)
2. Invert each tube several times and then vortex to reincorporate any condensed liquid. Briefly
centrifuge the solutions to the bottom of the tubes. Make sure the DNA stain solution (blue cap) is
thawed before proceeding.
3.3 Prepare the Gel-Stain Solution
A gel-stain solution (GS) preparation is sufficient for use with at least four DNA chips. Use the GS
within 1 month. Keep prepared GS at room temperature and covered with foil until ready for use.
If the GS was already prepared, equilibrate it as detailed above.
3.3.1 Experion DNA 1K Analysis Kit
1. Prepare the GS by adding 12.5 µl DNA stain (blue cap) to a tube of 250 µl DNA 1K gel (green cap).
Vortex the GS for 10 sec, and then spin it down briefly in a microcentrifuge.
2. Transfer the GS to a spin filter, and label and date the tube.
3. Centrifuge the spin filter for 15 min at 2,400 × g. Inspect the tubes to ensure all of the gel has passed
through the filters, and then discard the filters. Blue staining of the filter membrane is normal.
4. Wrap the tube of GS in aluminum foil to protect the stain from light.
3.3.2 Experion DNA 12K Analysis Kit
1. Prepare the GS by combining 10 µl DNA stain (blue cap) and 200 µl DNA 12K gel (green cap) in a
DNase-free 0.65 ml microcentrifuge tube. Vortex the GS for 10 sec and then centrifuge briefly.
2. Transfer the GS to a spin filter, and label and date the tube.
3. Centrifuge the spin filter for 10 min at 1,500 × g. Inspect the tubes to ensure all of the gel has passed
through the filters and then discard the filters. Blue staining of the filter membrane is normal.
4. Wrap the tube of GS in aluminum foil to protect the stain from light.
Experion Automated Electrophoresis System