Analytik Jena Compact XS/S/M/L/XL Horizontal Electrophoresis System

Overview

The Analytik Jena Compact XS/S/M/L/XL Horizontal Electrophoresis System is a precision-engineered platform for nucleic acid and protein separation via agarose or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Designed and manufactured in Jena, Germany, this system implements classical horizontal electrophoresis principles—applying a uniform electric field across a submerged gel matrix to drive charged biomolecules toward oppositely charged electrodes based on size-to-charge ratio. Its robust architecture integrates optical-grade acrylic housing, corrosion-resistant platinum electrodes, and gold-plated safety connectors—ensuring long-term dimensional stability, electrical consistency, and compliance with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. The system supports standard molecular biology workflows including DNA fragment analysis, PCR product verification, plasmid profiling, and RNA integrity assessment under UV-transilluminatable conditions.

Key Features

• Vertically opening safety lid with wide lateral flanges—enables unobstructed access during sample loading while preventing buffer splash and maintaining ergonomic workflow efficiency
• Co-located anode and cathode terminals on the same side of the tank—eliminates cable routing over the buffer chamber, reducing risk of accidental immersion and short-circuit hazards
• Ergonomic buffer chamber with recessed side notches—facilitates secure, fingertip-free handling of gel trays during transfer, minimizing contamination and operator exposure to electrophoresis buffer
• UV-transparent gel trays—allow direct visualization and documentation under 302 nm or 365 nm transilluminators without gel excision or transfer, preserving structural integrity and reducing handling-induced damage
• Color-coded comb system (1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thicknesses)—enables rapid visual identification and error-resistant selection; combs are engineered for precise well geometry and consistent gel interface formation
• Modular comb compatibility—including configurations aligned with 8-channel, 12-channel, and 16-channel pipettors—supports high-throughput, reproducible sample loading in standardized microplate formats
• Integrated gel casting apparatus with leak-proof sealing mechanism—ensures uniform polymerization and eliminates buffer leakage during setup, critical for reproducible migration front formation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Compact series accommodates both agarose (0.7–3.0%) and native or denaturing polyacrylamide gels (3–20%), supporting applications ranging from large genomic fragments (>20 kb) to small oligonucleotides (<50 bp). All models comply with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for testing laboratory competence when used within validated protocols. Gel tray dimensions and well capacities are calibrated per ASTM D4327 (for ion chromatography gel validation methodology) and referenced against common molecular weight ladders (e.g., GeneRuler™, Lambda HindIII). The system is compatible with standard TAE, TBE, and SB buffers, and its electrode configuration maintains stable current density across variable gel thicknesses—ensuring consistent migration velocity and band resolution independent of run duration.

Software & Data Management

While the Compact electrophoresis system operates as a standalone hardware platform (no embedded firmware or onboard software), it is fully interoperable with third-party gel documentation systems—including Analytik Jena’s own INFINITY™ Gel Documentation Stations and industry-standard imaging platforms (e.g., Bio-Rad GelDoc™, Azure Biosystems Sapphire™). Raw gel images exported in TIFF or PNG format support downstream quantitative analysis using ImageLab™, Quantity One®, or open-source tools such as Fiji/ImageJ. For regulated environments, integration with LIMS or ELN systems can be achieved via standard USB or network-connected documentation stations compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures—provided audit trails, user authentication, and version-controlled protocol storage are implemented at the imaging software layer.

Applications

• Verification of PCR amplification products and restriction digestion patterns
• Assessment of plasmid conformation (supercoiled, linear, nicked circular)
• Quality control of extracted genomic DNA and total RNA (including RIN estimation via ribosomal band intensity ratios)
• Genotyping by fragment length polymorphism (AFLP, SSR, CAPS)
• Preparative isolation of DNA bands for downstream cloning or sequencing library construction
• Teaching laboratories—where mechanical reliability, intuitive operation, and safety-by-design reduce training overhead and procedural variability

FAQ

Is the Compact system compatible with ethidium bromide and safer nucleic acid stains (e.g., SYBR® Safe, GelRed®)?

Yes—the UV-transparent gel trays and standard buffer chemistry support all common fluorescent DNA intercalators. No modifications to hardware or voltage settings are required.
Can I run two different gels simultaneously in one Compact L or XL tank?

No—each tank is configured for single-gel operation. However, dual-comb configurations (e.g., 1+2 well preparatory combs) allow simultaneous casting of adjacent gel segments with distinct acrylamide percentages or buffer systems.
What is the maximum recommended run time for extended separations?

For optimal band sharpness and thermal management, continuous runs exceeding 90 minutes at constant voltage should employ recirculating cooling (e.g., external chillers or ice packs placed adjacent to the buffer chamber), particularly for high-percentage polyacrylamide gels.
Are replacement combs and gel trays available as consumables?

Yes—Analytik Jena supplies certified OEM combs (1.0 mm and 1.5 mm), UV-transparent trays, and casting frames under catalog numbers accessible via regional distributors. All components meet RoHS and REACH material compliance directives.
Does the system include a power supply?

No—the Compact electrophoresis unit is a passive tank assembly. Users must pair it with a CE-marked, current-limited DC power supply rated for 0–300 V and 0–500 mA output (e.g., Analytik Jena EPS 200 or equivalent).