Description
The Mini-PROTEAN Tetra Cell is a vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) system used to separate protein or DNA mixtures by size and charge, most commonly via SDS-PAGE or native PAGE. It’s a mainstay in molecular biology and biochemistry labs, used for tasks like protein fingerprinting, purity analysis, molecular weight estimation, and preparing samples for western blotting.
The system runs both handcast and Bio-Rad precast gels interchangeably, and is configurable to run anywhere from one to four mini gels at once depending on the cell and casting modules selected. Handcasting is supported through a casting stand and glass plates with permanently bonded gel spacers, which simplify pouring gels and reduce leaking compared to older clamp-style systems. A patented sealing mechanism helps prevent common assembly errors during both casting and running.
Electrically, the cell is a passive chamber — power comes from an external DC power supply (such as Bio-Rad’s PowerPac line), not included with the cell itself. The lid functions as a safety interlock, breaking the circuit whenever it’s removed, and the tank is also compatible with other Bio-Rad electrode modules used for blotting, 2-D electrophoresis, and electroelution, making it a flexible base unit rather than a single-purpose device.
Features:
- Runs 1–4 gels interchangeably: A single tank and modular electrode assemblies allow labs to scale a run from one gel up to four using the same base unit, plus a companion running module.
- Compatible with handcast and precast gels: Works with Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN precast gels or gels cast in-house, giving flexibility in workflow and cost.
- Patented leak-resistant casting and sealing system: Glass plates with bonded spacers and a spring-loaded casting stand reduce leaking during gel pouring and running.
- Safety interlock lid: The current is broken automatically when the lid is removed, and the cell cannot be operated without it.
- Sample loading guides: Guides direct pipet tips or syringe needles into the correct sample wells, reducing loading errors.
- Durable polycarbonate/polysulfone construction: Tank, lid, casting stand, and casting frames are built from rugged, chemically resistant plastics designed for repeated lab use.
- Fast run times: Gels typically run in 30–45 minutes depending on gel percentage and voltage.
- Modular with other Bio-Rad electrode systems: The same tank and lid can be paired with blotting modules, 2-D electrophoresis components, or electroelution modules.
Specifications:
- Overall size: 2 × 16 × 18 cm (W × L × H)
- Voltage limit: 600 V DC maximum
- Power limit: 30 W maximum
- Maximum ambient temperature: 40°C
- Electrodes: Platinum wire, 0.010 in. diameter
- Construction materials: Polycarbonate tank/lid/casting stand; polysulfone casting frames; glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate electrode assembly; Delrin sample loading guides
- Running buffer volume: 700 mL (2-gel configuration) / 1,000 mL (4-gel configuration)
- Gel thickness options: 0.75 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm
- Well configurations: 5-, 9-, 10-, 12-, or 15-well combs, plus IPG and Prep/2-D formats
