Anna,
We have been using the Hamilton 0.2mm 8-channel syringes for a little over
a year with ABI 377's, running 32, 48, and 64 lane gels. Initially we had
similar clogging problems but solved that by following the practice of
rinsing the units three times with 0.2um filtered water between samples and
after use. The remarkably smooth action of these syringes has not
deteriorated. I would be tempted to find an inverted or dissecting
microscope and scan the barrels to see if debris of some sort is causing
your problem. I have restored clogged barrels the same way I restore my
coffee maker, by soaking in weak acetic acid to dissolve salt buildup. Then
I flush the barrels with Hamilton's cleaning solution. Hamilton tech
support may also be of help.
I have heard ABI is coming out with a modified plate; stepped to allow a
thicker casting comb/sharkstooth comb while retaining the 0.2mm gel
thickness. This should make the 0.3mm or 0.4mm Hamilton syringes, which are
"bend resistant", a good alternative for your lab.
Hope this helps,
Al
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Alfred Cairo
BACPAC Resources
DNA Sequencing Lab
Department of Cancer Genetics
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Buffalo NY