DLAB DL-Mini04 Mini Vertical Electrophoresis Tank

Overview

The DLAB DL-Mini04 Mini Vertical Electrophoresis Tank is a compact, precision-engineered system designed for routine SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, and Western blotting applications in academic laboratories, quality control environments, and small-scale biopharmaceutical R&D settings. Based on the fundamental principle of electrophoretic mobility under an applied electric field, the DL-Mini04 enables separation of proteins or nucleic acids by molecular weight within polyacrylamide gels. Its vertical configuration supports both hand-cast and pre-cast gel formats, with optimized thermal dissipation and electrical field uniformity to ensure reproducible band resolution and minimal gel distortion during high-voltage runs (up to 200 V DC). The unit’s footprint—under 20 cm wide—is specifically tailored for benchtop use where space efficiency and operational consistency are critical.

Key Features

• Permanently bonded sealing spacers on long glass plates ensure precise plate alignment and eliminate gel leakage during polymerization and electrophoresis.
• Cam-lock casting frame provides rapid, tool-free assembly with consistent inter-plate spacing across all surfaces—even on non-level lab benches—enhancing gel thickness repeatability.
• Proprietary polymer comb design features integrated ridges that prevent oxygen inhibition at the gel surface, enabling uniform acrylamide polymerization without mineral oil overlay.
• Reinforced 1.8 mm-thick long glass plates (10.1 × 8.2 cm) significantly reduce breakage risk during handling, cleaning, or de-gelling procedures.
• Integrated dual-gel casting stand allows simultaneous preparation and visual monitoring of two gels, improving workflow throughput and inter-gel comparability.
• High-purity platinum wire electrodes (99.95% Pt) deliver stable current transmission, exceptional corrosion resistance in SDS-containing running buffers (e.g., Tris-Glycine), and long-term conductivity retention over hundreds of runs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DL-Mini04 accommodates standard mini-gel formats: hand-poured gels (8.3 × 7.3 cm) and commercially available pre-cast gels (8.6 × 6.8 cm). Gel thickness options include 0.75 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm—compatible with common comb configurations (10- and 15-well). Short glass plates measure 10.1 × 7.3 cm. The system operates safely within standard electrophoresis buffer chemistries (Tris-HCl, Tris-Glycine, Bis-Tris-MES) and meets general laboratory safety requirements per IEC 61010-1. While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, its mechanical reproducibility and traceable manufacturing (Beijing-based OEM facility) support data integrity in research-grade applications compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices.

Software & Data Management

The DL-Mini04 is a standalone electrophoresis cell with no embedded microcontroller or digital interface. As such, it requires no firmware, drivers, or proprietary software. All operational parameters—including voltage, current, and run duration—are controlled externally via standard DC power supplies (e.g., DLAB PS series or third-party units supporting constant voltage/current modes). This analog architecture ensures compatibility with existing lab infrastructure and simplifies validation protocols. Users maintain full audit trails through manual logbooks or LIMS-integrated power supply data exports (where supported), aligning with basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles for non-automated instrumentation.

Applications

• Routine SDS-PAGE analysis of protein extracts from mammalian, bacterial, or plant lysates.
• Verification of recombinant protein purity and molecular weight prior to chromatography or mass spectrometry.
• Native PAGE for assessing protein oligomerization states and conformational integrity.
• Preparative electrophoresis for excising bands for downstream enzymatic digestion or Edman sequencing.
• Teaching laboratory use—robust construction and intuitive assembly support student training in core molecular biology techniques.

FAQ

What gel thicknesses does the DL-Mini04 support?

The system accepts 0.75 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.5 mm spacers—enabling flexibility in sample loading capacity and resolution requirements.
Can I use pre-cast gels with this unit?

Yes—the cassette dimensions (8.6 × 6.8 cm) are compatible with major commercial pre-cast mini-gel systems.
Is the unit compatible with transfer for Western blotting?

Yes; standard semi-dry and wet transfer apparatuses accommodate gels cast in the DL-Mini04 due to standardized mini-gel footprint and thickness tolerances.
How many gels can be run simultaneously?

One electrophoresis chamber supports up to four gels per run when using multi-gel comb configurations; the dual-casting stand facilitates parallel preparation of two gels.
What maintenance is required for the platinum electrodes?

Rinse thoroughly with deionized water after each use; avoid abrasive cleaning tools. Periodic inspection for discoloration or pitting is recommended—electrode replacement kits are available directly from DLAB.