Bio-Rad PROTEAN II XL Cell - Manual (Page 7)

1
Section 1
General Information
1.1 Introduction
The PROTEAN ® II xi cell is a vertical slab electrophoresis instrument which combines versatility with practicality.
When used with the various combs, spacers, and accessories available, the PROTEAN II xi cell is suitable for
most common electrophoretic techniques, including SDS electrophoresis, two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis,
native electrophoresis, and agarose gel electrophoresis. The PROTEAN II xi cell can run up to 4 slab gels or
16 tube gels simultaneously. The basic unit accommodates gels 16 or 20 cm long. The 20 cm gels offer
increased resolution capability, which is especially useful in 2-D applications.
The central cooling core of the PROTEAN II xi cell assures even heat distribution over the entire gel length,
permitting excellent resolution with minimal band distortion. Only 1.5 liters of buffer are required. The raised
electrode position insures safe operation even with extended overnight runs.
The unique single-screw sandwich clamps allow rapid assembly of the gel sandwiches, while providing even
pressure distribution along the entire gel length. This even pressure minimizes the risk of breaking the glass
plates, a common problem with multi-screw clamps. The PROTEAN II xi alignment card helps keep spacers
upright during sandwich alignment. The combination of the clamps, alignment card, and the casting stand
permits assembly and casting of gels in minutes, with little effort. After casting, the completed gel sandwich
attaches to the central cooling core with a single motion.
The PROTEAN II xi cell is the instrument of choice for 2-D electrophoresis. With the optional tube adaptors,
one can run the first dimension IEF tube gel, and then overlay this gel onto the second dimension SDS slab
gel. Thus, the complete 2-D procedure can be done with one dedicated instrument.
1.2 Specifications
Construction:
Cooling core and
tube gel adaptor molded polysulfone
Lid and lower buffer
chamber molded polycarbonate
Clamps, casting glass and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-filled
stand, and cams molded poly-carbonate
Electrical leads flexible, coiled
Electrodes platinum, 0.010 inch diameter
(0.254 mm)
Shipping weight 11 kg (24 lb, 3 oz)
Overall size 26 cm (L) x 19 cm (W) x 30 cm (H)
Gel size 16 x 16 cm slab or 16 x 20 cm slab
1 to 6 mm diameter tube gels
Glass plate sizes 16 cm cell: 16 x 20 cm (inner plate)
18.3 x 20 cm (outer plate)
Cooling core, maximum
flow rate 2 liter/min
Maximum coolant temperature Do not exceed 50°C
Voltage limit 1,000 volts DC