LimsPulse
Bioanalytical

Gel electrophoresis system

A tank with buffer and electrodes, a gel and a DC power supply. Charged molecules such as proteins or DNA move through the gel in the electric field and separate by size, then are stained and imaged.

  • Biotechnology
  • Biopharmaceutical
  • Academic research
  • Diagnostics development
  • Food (protein profiling)
  • Vaccines
Photo of a Gel electrophoresis system
Photo: Lilly_M, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
Follow your site SOP
This is a typical operating sequence for learning. Your instrument model and approved SOP take precedence.
STAGE 1

Before you start

  1. 1Check the power supply is within its calibration due date and leads and connectors are undamaged.
  2. 2Check the tank lid, electrodes and seals for damage or leaks.
  3. 3Prepare fresh running buffer at the right concentration and pH.
  • Never use a tank with a cracked lid, damaged lead or bare wire. Power supplies can deliver lethal voltage.
STAGE 2

Loading and running

  1. 1Place the gel in the tank and fill the chambers with buffer to the marked levels.
  2. 2Rinse wells and load samples, marker and reference in the planned order.
  3. 3Fit the lid so the colours match (red to red, black to black) before connecting to the power supply.
  4. 4Set the voltage, current limit and time from the method and start the run. Check bubbles form at the electrodes.
  5. 5Stop the run when the dye front reaches the set position.
  • Switch off the power supply before removing the lid or touching the buffer.
  • Do not exceed the voltage or power limit of the tank; overheating can melt or crack it.
STAGE 3

Staining and imaging

  1. 1Remove the gel carefully and stain for the time in the method.
  2. 2Destain if needed and image with consistent exposure settings.
  3. 3Save the raw image and record lane assignments and settings.
  • Use UV face protection when viewing gels on a UV transilluminator.
STAGE 4

Shutdown

  1. 1Dispose of buffer and gels as per site waste rules (acrylamide and stain waste may be hazardous).
  2. 2Rinse the tank and electrodes with purified water and let them dry.
  3. 3Complete the logbook.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every Gel electrophoresis in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how