The XCell SureLock Mini-cell, from Invitrogen, is a mini-vertical electrophoresis system, which was recently purchased by our lab. The components of this simple system include a gel tension wedge, which contains the locking device that allows you to place the gel cassette into the the lower buffer chamber with one simple forward motion, a lower buffer chamber, which is designed to absorb the heat during the electrophoresis, a buffer core, which contains the platinum electrodes to connect to the cell lid, a mini-cell lid, which contains the cables to connect to the buffer core, a buffer dam, which is used when only running one gel, and a gel knife, which is used to separate the plates to remove the gel. Our lab has also purchased a gel cassette (10 cm X 10 cm) and well combs separately for our experimental purposes. This mini-electrophoresis system is conveniently only 11 x 12 x 16 cm in size.
One significant difference with this mini-electrophoresis system, as compared to older electrophoresis systems, is the time it takes to assemble. With the XCell SureLock mini-cell, it only takes couple of minutes to assemble and you’re ready to run. The assembly process basically entails the insertion of the buffer core into the lower buffer chamber, then the insertion of gel tension wedge behind the buffer core, then the insertion of the gel cassette with the gel into the lower buffer chamber. The XCell SureLock Mini-Cell can fit two gel cassettes by placing one on each side of the buffer core. If only one gel is run, a buffer dam, which is included in the kit, is used to occupy the other side of the buffer core. By simply pushing the gel tension lever forward, the gel cassette(s) is locked into position with the buffer core. One of the benefits of using this “locked” gel tension lever, is that it decreases the likelihood of leakage. Also, this system requires less running buffer. The upper buffer chamber only requires 200 ml of running buffer, while the lower buffer chamber requires 600 ml. The lower buffer chamber does not need to be filled completely, but it is recommended by the manufacturer since the buffer in this chamber will help dissipate the heat generated during electrophoresis. The recipes for these buffers are provided or can be purchased directly from Invitrogen. Once the safety lid is connected to the buffer code electrodes, electrophoresis can be started. One of the safety features of this system is that when the lid is taken off, the electrical current stops.
Like the assembly process, the disassembly of XCell SureLock Mini-Cell is just as simple. It only requires the ‘unlocking’ of the gel tension lever and the subsequent removal of the gel cassette(s). A gel knife is included in the kit to assist in the separation of the plates to remove the gel for subsequent transfer to membrane or staining of the gel.
One disadvantage of is system is that it is not compatible with all power supplies, which we were not aware of at the time of purchase. But, the Invitrogen technical advisor was friendly and helpful and sent us the adaptors to connect the XCell SureLock Mini-Cell system into the power supply we had for free.
Hee Chul Lee
Graduate Student
Department of Biochemistry
NYU School of Medicine