RE: Sequencing plates and plate cleaner

Njau, Reuben Kirobi (rnjau@iupui.edu)
Wed, 28 Apr 1999 08:14:27 -0500

I think 3 years is pushing those glass plates too far especially if they are
used every day,it might be time to buy new ones. I have used the sigma
plates, they are cheap and very good. One note though, most often the plates
are back orderd and it might take some time before you get them. I have used
both ABI's and Sigma and to me it does not make any difference as far as the
data is concerned. You might also try liqui-Nox, to clean the plates this is
what I use and it works very well.

Good luck

Reuben Njau
Biochemistry Biotechnology Facility
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN
-----Original Message-----
From: Skip Vaught, Brian Coullahan, Mark Schwartz, and Felisa Blackmer
[mailto:jev@u.arizona.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 1999 4:34 PM
To: Recipients of ABRF List
Subject: Sequencing plates and plate cleaner

Dear fellow sequencers,

We're wondering if it's time replace our glass plates (377 standard,
36cm.). They've been used constantly for over 3 years. We are plagued
occasionally by mobility problems in some lanes and the "disappearing -
reappearing" bands. We have temporarily solved the problem by "acid/base"
washing the plates. We have used Multiterge, Citrinox, Alconox, and
Seque-soap to wash the plates, but the problem inevitably returns. (We
understand a very hot DI water rinse works well, but we can't afford a lab
dishwasher).

My question is, does age "predispose" plates to this problem or do proper
cleaning methods allow plates to be used indefinately?

We are considering buying plates from Sigma. They're half the price of
ABI's and their ad claims use by genome centers and core facilities
worldwide! Are they comparable to ABI's?

The latest issue of American Biotechnology Laboratory has an ad for a
product called GELPLATE-clean. It claims that this product removes the
contaminanting molecules on the glass surface without the need for soaking.
Does anyone have experience with this product? Does it leave any
fluorescent residue?

Any advice is welcomed.

Best regards,

Skip Vaught
DNA Sequencing Service
University of Arizona

THE DNA SEQUENCING SERVICE
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

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Skip Vaught- jev@u.arizona.edu
Brian Coullahan- coullaha@u.arizona.edu
Mark Schwartz- schwartm@u.arizona.edu
Amy Raymond- raymonda@u.arizona.edu