The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Electrophoresis Gear

Electrophoresis is an essential laboratory technique that harnesses the power of electricity to separate molecules like proteins or nucleic acids based on their size, structure, and electrical charge. Electrophoresis units, also known as electrophoresis chambers or electrophoresis systems, are devices specifically designed for conducting this separation. Units include a gel tray (or capillary array), a buffer tank, and a power supply. Many also include safety features to prevent electric shocks, a control panel, and integrated imaging systems. Regardless of their type, electrophoresis units are versatile visualizers and analyzers. They might even be the very first place you saw DNA! But, just like any other lab gear, they require our care and maintenance. So, for our second post in our lab gear care series, allow us to present our go-to tips for keeping your electrophoresis gear in top shape.

Select a Good Location

When selecting a suitable location for your electrophoresis unit, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors. First and foremost, prioritize the safety aspect by keeping the apparatus away from sinks or any other water sources to avoid potential electrical dangers. Secondly, ensure that the electrophoresis unit and its power supply are positioned in a way that allows easy access to the on/off switch and guarantees clear visibility of the power-indicator light. Lastly, position the equipment in a manner that keeps the leads neatly organized and free from dangling. If you want your unit to really feel at home consider putting down a layer of water absorbent benchtop paper to catch the inevitable buffer drips and spills.

Perform a Yearly Tune Up

Performing a yearly inspection on your electrophoresis equipment is essential for ensuring experimental success and safety. The outlined steps below should take between 10 and 30 minutes (depending on the number of machines) but will save you time in the long run. If you have backup electrophoresis units, it’s a great idea to conduct this check right before your first electrophoresis experiment as you will already have everything out. If not, we recommend performing the check before the term begins to allow time for any necessary repairs/replacements.

1. Start by turning off and unplugging the unit.
2. Inspect the power cords for any signs of deterioration, such as exposed wires, cracks, or breaks.
3. Inspect the connectors. Check for corroded or loose-fitting connectors that could lead to electrical arcing and potentially fire hazards. Also look for any exposed copper wires (caused by pulling on the wire instead of the jack when trying to remove the jack.)
4. Thoroughly inspect the electrophoresis chamber for any cracks in the plastic that may result in leaks.
5. For vertical (protein) electrophoresis chambers, also check the gaskets to verify that they are not leaking.
6. Discard and replace any cords, connectors, chambers, or gaskets that did not pass the inspection.
7. (Optional) Confirm the unit is fully functional by adding buffer, powering the unit, and then observing. Within 5-10 minutes you should see bubbles in the buffer which confirms that the electrodes are properly connected, everything is plugged in, and the current is flowing.  

Clean

Before diving into the exciting world of cleaning your electrophoresis unit, safety first! Always disconnect the cord to prevent any shocking surprises. Now, depending on your specific unit, cleaning methods may vary, so make sure to double-check those manufacturer’s instructions.

First clean the chamber, gel beds, and combs. To clean these components, wash them with tap or distilled/deionized water and let them air dry. No need for detergents here! This equipment falls under the “sensitive skin” gear category so avoid any harsh washes with organic solvents, acids, or alkalis. Next, to the power sources. These don’t demand much cleaning, but they still deserve some attention. Disconnect them and then wipe them down with a dry cloth.

Units with integrated visualization need a slightly different cleaning approach. Clean these by wiping with a lightly damp, soapy cloth. Care should be exercised to prevent water from running inside the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners or strong solvents. The buffer chamber, tray, combs, and endcaps can be fully submerged to clean with mild detergent if necessary.

Dry everything fully before storage.

Handle with Care

Congratulations on perfectly positioning your electrophoresis units, giving them a thorough inspection, and ensuring they’re squeaky clean! The final step: use them responsibly. Here are our top six friendly reminders to keep you on track:

1. Mind Your Buffers: Only use appropriate electrophoresis buffers in the chamber. Using improper buffers not only risks damaging the power supply and electrodes but also poses an electric shock hazard to you.
2. Safety First: Remember to turn off the power before opening the lid or reaching inside the chamber. We wouldn’t want any unexpected sparks or surprises, right? Always power down before diving in.
3. Leave It to the Pros: Since electrophoresis units deal with high voltages, it’s best to leave any disassembly or servicing tasks to properly trained professionals. We want everyone to stay safe while maintaining these units. Similarly, resist the urge to modify or bypass the safety features of your unit. Safety measures are there for a reason—to keep you and your equipment protected.
4. Protect the Visualizers: For electrophoresis units equipped with integrated visualization systems, remember not to submerge the outer housing or pour liquids onto the unit. Water might quench our thirst, but it won’t do our units any favors. Keep them dry and happy!
5. Guard Your Eyes: When working with electrophoresis units featuring integrated visualization systems, it’s important to wear the proper eyewear. While some units use blue light, which doesn’t necessarily require specialized safety glasses, it’s still high intensity so avoid any long stares without an orange lid in place.
6. Use Chemical Caution: Whenever working with DNA stains, including ‘safer’ non-ethidium bromide stains, make sure to wear gloves and follow all manufacturer recommendations. Safety should never take a backseat, so handle chemicals responsibly and always use personal protective equipment.

Want to learn even more about electrophoresis equipment care and student safety? Most institutions have detailed guides. See if your school does or check these ones from Lab Manager and Stanford. Also check out some of our other electrophesis blogs including 5 Tips to Speed up your Electrophoresis Experiment and Electrophoresis FAQ Roundup.