Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick Review

Let’s Dive into Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick

The Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick is a seemingly simple tool, but it’s a critical component in molecular biology labs. Manufactured by Labnet, this comb is designed for creating precise wells in agarose or polyacrylamide gels, essential for electrophoresis. Its 40-well configuration and 1.5 mm thickness make it suitable for high-throughput sample analysis using 20cm gel systems.

My work often involves analyzing numerous DNA samples, and the bottleneck is frequently in the gel preparation. I needed a comb that could efficiently create a high number of consistent wells in my gels, allowing me to load more samples per run and speeding up the overall process. A comb that warps or creates inconsistent well sizes leads to inaccurate results and wasted time, something I couldn’t afford.

Upon receiving the Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy construction. The material felt robust, not flimsy like some of the generic combs I’ve used in the past. Its weight felt balanced and comfortable to hold, suggesting it would sit evenly in the gel during casting.

Compared to a cheaper 32-well comb and an older, thinner 48-well comb in my lab, the Labnet model seemed to strike a better balance between sample throughput and well size. The 32-well comb had too few wells, and the 48-well comb created wells that were too small for easy loading. I chose the Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 because its 40 wells offered a good compromise, and the 1.5 mm thickness suggested it would create wells that were robust and easy to load.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While I appreciated the apparent quality of the Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb, I knew the true test would be in its performance. I was eager to see if it would deliver the consistent, high-quality wells I needed to improve my lab’s efficiency.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 in a standard agarose gel casting setup using a 20cm gel tray. The comb fit snugly into the casting apparatus, and the teeth appeared to be evenly spaced and aligned. I paid close attention to how the comb behaved during gel polymerization.

The comb performed admirably, even in slightly humid conditions in the lab. After the gel solidified, removing the comb was a breeze. The wells were uniformly shaped and the bottoms were flat.

There were no unpleasant surprises. The Labnet comb performed exactly as anticipated, creating a high-quality gel ready for sample loading.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 has proven to be a reliable and essential tool in my lab. The comb has consistently produced high-quality gels, reducing the need for repeated gel casting. This saves us valuable time and resources.

Despite regular use, there are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the comb. The material remains rigid and the teeth are still perfectly aligned. Cleaning is easy: a simple rinse with distilled water is typically sufficient to remove any residual agarose.

Compared to previous combs I’ve used, the Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 significantly outperforms them in terms of consistency and durability. The Labnet comb creates wells that are easier to load and less prone to tearing, leading to more reliable results.

Breaking Down the Features of Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick

Specifications

• 40 Wells: This allows for the analysis of a large number of samples simultaneously, increasing throughput in the lab. More samples per gel run means less time spent casting and running gels.
• 1.5 mm Thickness: Creates wells that are wide enough for easy sample loading, but not so wide that they cause band distortion. This thickness is a sweet spot that offers a good balance between ease of use and resolution.
• Compatible with 20cm Gel Systems: Designed to fit standard 20cm wide gel electrophoresis apparatuses. This ensures seamless integration into existing laboratory setups.
• Durable Construction: Made from a rigid, chemical-resistant material that can withstand repeated use and cleaning. This ensures a long lifespan for the comb, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the efficiency and accuracy of gel electrophoresis. A well-designed comb ensures that samples are loaded correctly and that the resulting bands are clear and well-defined. This is critical for accurate data interpretation and reliable research outcomes.

Performance & Functionality

The Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 excels at its primary function: creating consistent, high-quality wells in agarose and polyacrylamide gels. The comb is easy to insert and remove, and it creates wells with flat bottoms and uniform dimensions. This is essential for accurate sample loading and reliable electrophoretic separation.

The strength of the Labnet comb lies in its consistency. Every gel cast with this comb produces wells that are identical in size and shape. The weakness is that you’re limited to only 40 wells; if you needed, say, 48 wells, you’d need a different comb.

The Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 meets and exceeds my expectations for a gel comb. It’s a reliable and efficient tool that helps me to streamline my research workflow.

Design & Ergonomics

The Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 is designed with both functionality and ease of use in mind. The comb is made from a durable, lightweight material that is comfortable to handle. Its simple design ensures that it fits securely in the gel casting apparatus and creates wells that are perfectly aligned.

The comb is user-friendly, with no learning curve required. Even inexperienced lab personnel can quickly learn how to use it to cast high-quality gels.

Durability & Maintenance

The Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 is built to last. Its robust construction and chemical-resistant material ensure that it can withstand years of regular use.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple rinse with distilled water after each use is typically sufficient to keep the comb clean and in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 does not come with any accessories. It’s a standalone tool designed for a specific purpose.

There are no customization options available for this comb. However, it’s compatible with a wide range of standard gel casting apparatuses and electrophoresis systems.

Pros and Cons of Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick

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Who Should Buy Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick?

Perfect for molecular biology labs that perform routine gel electrophoresis and require a reliable comb for creating consistent, high-quality wells. This is ideal for researchers, technicians, and students working with DNA, RNA, or protein samples. Its 40-well configuration makes it particularly suitable for labs that need to analyze a moderate number of samples per run.

Those who need to analyze a very high number of samples per gel run, or those who are looking for a comb with customizable well sizes or shapes, should skip this product. Labs that primarily work with smaller gel systems may also find this comb to be too large.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality gel casting apparatus that is compatible with 20cm gels.

Conclusion on Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb for use with 20cm gel system, 1.5 mm thick

The Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 40 well MC comb is a reliable and efficient tool that delivers consistent, high-quality results. While it may seem like a simple piece of equipment, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of gel electrophoresis experiments. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any molecular biology lab.

At $99.99, the price is justified by the comb’s durability and the time savings it provides. Cheaper combs may seem appealing, but they often lack the consistency and longevity of the Labnet model.

I would personally recommend the Labnet E1120-40MC-1-5 to any lab that performs routine gel electrophoresis and needs a reliable comb for creating consistent, high-quality wells. Upgrade your lab equipment today and experience the difference a quality comb can make!