The XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Electrophoresis System by Invitrogen provides a complete system for vertical gel electrophoresis of DNA and protein mini-gels. The system includes buffer core, lower buffer chamber, gel-tension wedge, square plastic dam and the lid with the cords, which can be directly connected to any power supply. The set-up procedure was very easy with no clamps and/or screws. First, the buffer core is fit into the lower chamber. Since the negative electrode fits into the particular opening on the buffer core, it will not fit in the incorrect orientation. Then the gel tension wedge, which provides protection against leaks, is inserted in the unlocked position. The graph in the manual shows exactly how to do it and after you do it once, you will always get it right. After a gel cassette and a buffer dam (or two gel cassettes) are inserted, the gel tension lever is pulled into the locked position with one easy move. The gels (or a gel and a buffer dam) become tightly snug against each other and the buffer core and 200 ml of 1X running buffer is used to fill the upper buffer chamber. It is important to check that the upper buffer chamber is not leaking before adding 600 ml of the running buffer in the lower buffer chamber. After the samples are loaded in the wells, the lid with the electrode cords is assembled on top of the apparatus. The design of the system guarantees that the lid will only be firmly seated if assembled in the correct direction. If not, no power will run through the mini-cell. Other safety features include retractable plugs and recessed jacks. After the run is finished and the power is stopped, the lid is easily removed, the gel tension lever is unlocked with one move and gel cassette(s) are removed for further staining.
The XCell SureLock Novex Mini-Cell is available separately for running mini-gels or in a kit with XCell II Blot Module to be used for running and blotting of mini-gels. In addition, a separate product called SureLock Retrofit Kit for XCell II is available to upgrade a previous version of this system. Before our lab purchased this system, I had done an extensive cost analysis and found the pricing to be very comparable.
The most significant advantage of the apparatus, when compared to other electrophoresis systems I have used, is a completely leak-free run. This is achieved by the patented positive-locking gel tension wedge (SureLock). The other advantages are the ease of use and assembly. When I became familiar with the system, it took me less than 5 min to assemble the whole thing, load the samples, and start the run. When assembled properly, there was never a leak between an upper and lower buffer chambers. I also noticed that I was able to see the wells quite clearly through the plastic while loading the samples. In addition, there was never overheating, even during long runs (2.5 h or more). In summary, my experience suggests that the XCell SureLock Novex Mini-Cell Electrophoresis System by Invitrogen is definitely a good choice for vertical mini-gel electrophoresis.
Yelena Bykhovskaya PhD
Research Scientist I
Molecular Hematology Laboratory
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA