Lonza Rockland, Inc.
www.lonza.com
biotechserv@lonza.com
Tech Service: 800-521-0390
Customer Service: 800-638-8174
Document # 18915-1007-03
Rockland, ME 04841 USALatitude® Midigel Chamber
Providing the best resolution performance from Latitude® Precast Agarose Midigels

SafetyPower to the Latitude® Midigel Chamber is to besupplied by an external DC voltage power supply thatmust be ground isolated, so that the DC voltage output
floats with respect to ground. For any power supply
used, the maximum specified operating parameters forthis electrophoresis unit are:250 VDC voltage15 watts power
60 mA current
55°C temperature
Current to the unit, provided from the external power
supply, must enter the unit through the lid assembly,providing a safety interlock to the user. Current to theunit is broken when the lid is removed. Do not attempt touse the unit without the safety lid, and always turn thepower supply off before removing the lid, or whenworking with the unit in any way. Always follow safety
precautions specified by the power supply manufacturer.

Introduction
The Latitude® Midigel Chamber provides the best
running conditions for optimal performance of Latitude®
Precast Midigels from Lonza. The chamber is designedwith a red/orange background to make loading easy anda compact buffer compartment to minimize buffer usage.
User Information
This instruction manual will explain how to use thisproduct safely and effectively. Please read and carefully
follow the instruction manual in its entirety.
Failure to adhere to the instructions could result inpersonal and/or laboratory hazards, and may invalidate
any warranty. Always turn off the DC power source prior
to disconnecting power cords from the product.
Disconnect power cords from the power source first, andthen from the product. For maximum safety, always
operate this system in an isolated, low traffic area, notaccessible to unauthorized personnel. Never operate
damaged or leaking equipment.

Description of Parts
Please verify that your unit comes complete with thefollowing components:• Horizontal electrophoresis chamber• Safety cover with attached DC power leads
NOTE: This electrophoresis unit is designed for use with
Latitude® Precast Gels. Casting accessories are notavailable.

Specifications
Construction
Buffer Chamber
Safety CoverElectrodes
Power cords

Acrylic
Acrylic
Platinum wire .012" diameter
FR Urethane rated 7500VDC,200mA, 65°C

Chamber size
without cover
Buffer volume
Platform dimensions
Distance between electrodes

Running Latitude® Precast Midigels
1. Place the Latitude® Midigel into the gel chamber,
ensuring that the gel is oriented so that the DNA isloaded nearest the cathode (black connection onsafety cover) to run towards the anode (redconnection on safety cover). Add enough buffer to fill
both reservoirs and to overflow to a depth of 3 mm-5mm over the surface of the gel. Flush out any air
bubbles in the wells.
2. Load DNA samples according to the Latitude®
Midigel electrophoresis protocol.
NOTE: for best results, always follow the protocol
supplied with Latitude® Precast Gels.

11.8 cm x 24 cm x 7 cm
(W x L x H)
350 ml - 400 ml
10.5 cm x 15.5 cm
23 cm

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NOTE: For gels prestained with ethidium bromide, it
may be necessary to add 0.5 µg/ml
ethidium bromide to the running buffer to achieve
optimal detection sensitivity.
3. Align safety cover over the unit and carefully attach,so as not to disturb the samples.
4. Connect the leads to the power supply. See“Running Conditions” section for recommended
power conditions. Begin separation byelectrophoresis.

••

Running Conditions

After each use, rinse buffer chamber with de-ionizedwater. Wipe dry with soft cloth or paper towel, andallow to air dry. Whenever necessary, allcomponents may be washed gently with water and a
non-abrasive detergent, and rinsed and dried asabove.
Never use abrasive cleaners, glass cleaning sprays
or scouring pads to clean the components, as thesewill damage the unit and components.

Additional precautions• Do not autoclave or dry-heat sterilize the apparatus
or components.
• Do not expose the apparatus or components tophenol, acetone, benzene, halogenatedhydrocarbon solvents or undiluted alcohols.
• Avoid prolonged exposure of the apparatus orcomponents to UV light.
• Do NOT treat with diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC)
treated water for extended periods at 37°C. A brief
rinse with DEPC-water is sufficient after a thoroughwash, followed by a quick rinse in 70% ethanol.

Recommended PowerThe distance used to determine voltage gradients is thedistance between the electrodes, not the gel length. If
the voltage is too high, band streaking, especially for
DNA >12 kb-15 kb, may result. When the voltage is too
low, the mobility of small (<1 kb) DNA is reduced andband broadening will occur due to dispersion anddiffusion. Electrophorese Latitude® Midigels at 5-10
V/cm interelectrode distance (23 cm). Be sure thepolarity is correct, ie., that the DNA is loaded near thecathode (black terminal) to run toward the anode (redterminal). Nucleic acid migration is monitored by theprogress of the marker dyes. Run until the bromophenol
blue is about 1 cm from the bottom of the gel or from the2nd tier of wells.

Maintenance
The following inspection and maintenance procedures
will help maintain the safety and reliable performance ofthe Latitude® Midigel Chambers. Replacement parts canbe ordered by calling Lonza Technical Service at
800-521-0390.
• Banana plugs and power cords should be inspected
regularly. If the banana plugs become loose or do
not feel friction tight, replace the plugs or powercords.
• Should power cord assemblies (connectors, wire, orshrouds) show any signs of wear or damage (e.g.
cracks, nicks, abrasions, or melted insulation),
replace them immediately.
• The platinum wire is secured to the banana jack bycompression between a stainless washer and thejack nut. The nut/washer interface should be tightand free of corrosion.

Removing Latitude® Precast Midigels
1. Turn the power supply off and disconnect the leads
from the power supply.
2. Remove the safety cover from the unit by placing
thumbs on the white posts next to red and blackconnectors, then pushing down on the white posts
while pulling up with fingers under the lid. DO NOT
pull on the power cords.
®
3. Gently lift the Latitude Midigel from the unit. Always
wear gloves, eye protection and protective clothing if
buffer or gel contain ethidium bromide. Ethidium
bromide is a powerful mutagen and gloves, eyeprotection and protective clothing should be worn
when handling the gel or buffer solutions.
4. View separated fragments following standard
procedures, using proper protection for eyes andskin.
Maintenance of Equipment
Care and Handling•
The plastic components of the Latitude® Midigel
Chamber are fabricated from acrylic andpolycarbonate.
•Electrodes and connectors are made from pureplatinum, stainless steel, and chrome plated brass.
As with any laboratory instrument, adequate careinsures consistent and reliable performance.

2Ordering Information
Catalog No.
56990

Description
Latitude® Midigel Chamber

Related Products for DNA analysis
Latitude® Precast Midigels
Reliant® Precast Agarose Minigels
AccuGENE® TAE andTBE Buffers
AccuGENE MOPS Buffer
DNA Ladders
DNA Markers

For more information contact Technical Service at(800) 521-0390 or visit our website atwww.Lonza.com
Warranty and Liability
This product was manufactured for Lonza and produced
utilizing the highest practical standards of materials,workmanship and design. Lonza warrants that theproduct has been tested by the manufacturer and willmeet or exceed published specifications. This warranty
is valid only if the product has been operated andmaintained according to the instructions provided.
Lonza warrants this product to be free from defects inmaterials and workmanship under normal service for one
year from date of shipment. If the product provesdefective during this period, Lonza will repair or replace
it at our option, free of charge. This warranty does notcover: damage in transit, damage caused bycarelessness, misuse or neglect, normal wear throughfrequent use, damage caused by solvent corrosion,damage caused by improper handling or user alteration,
nor unsatisfactory performance as a result of condtions
beyond our control. Lonza shall in no event be liable forincidental nor consequential damages, including without
limitation, lost profits, loss of income, loss of business
opportunities, loss of use and other related damages,
however caused, nor any damage arising from theincorrect use of the product.

Ficoll is a trademark of Pharmacia Biotech AB. All other trademarks
herein are marks of the Lonza Group or its affiliates.
© 2007 Lonza Rockland, Inc.
All rights reserved.

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