Let’s Dive into VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb
As a seasoned lab professional, I’ve seen my fair share of electrophoresis systems, and the combs that go with them. So when I needed to optimize my gel electrophoresis workflow for higher throughput, the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb caught my eye. It promised a larger well capacity for my midi-sized gels, potentially streamlining my DNA fragment analysis and saving precious time.
My lab was facing a bottleneck. We were spending excessive time loading samples onto gels with fewer wells. This new comb offered the potential to double our throughput, which would be a huge win.
Unboxing the comb revealed a sturdy piece of equipment. The acrylic felt solid, and the teeth were precisely formed. My initial thought was, “Finally, a comb that can handle the workload!”
Compared to my existing 12-tooth combs and a competitor’s 20-tooth version, the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb stood out. The increased well capacity without sacrificing well size seemed ideal. I chose this one hoping for maximum sample loading without compromising resolution.
I was genuinely excited to try it out. If it lived up to its promise, it could significantly improve our lab’s efficiency.
Real-World Testing: Putting VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb in our standard molecular biology lab. We were running DNA fragment analysis after PCR amplification.
The lab environment was typical: temperature-controlled, with standard humidity. Using the comb was straightforward; it fit perfectly into our VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis System. The first run went smoothly, and the gel cast without any leaks or distortions.
The 28-tooth design allowed us to load significantly more samples in a single run. I didn’t need any time to get used to the comb, it was a plug-and-play upgrade.
Initially, I was impressed with the well definition. But I noticed that the wells were quite close together, requiring extra care when loading to avoid cross-contamination.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily use, the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb continues to perform well. It’s become an integral part of our workflow.
The acrylic shows no signs of cracking or warping. It holds up well under constant use and cleaning.
Maintaining the comb is simple. A quick rinse with distilled water and mild detergent after each use keeps it clean.
Compared to our older combs, this one significantly increases our throughput. The VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb has exceeded our expectations in terms of efficiency.
Breaking Down the Features of VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb
Specifications
- Description: 0.75 mm x 28-Tooth Comb. This determines the thickness of the gel and the number of samples you can load.
- Dimensions: 17.5W x 26.5L x 9H cm (6 7/8 x 10 7/16 x 3 17/32″). These dimensions ensure the comb fits properly within compatible electrophoresis systems.
- Buffer Volume: 500 mL. This indicates the amount of buffer needed for electrophoresis.
The 0.75mm thickness provides a good balance between resolution and sample volume capacity, while the 28 teeth allow for higher throughput. The overall dimensions are critical for ensuring compatibility with the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems, and the buffer volume ensures adequate ion concentration for efficient DNA migration.
Performance & Functionality
The VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb excels at creating consistent and well-defined wells. This leads to accurate and reliable DNA fragment separation.
Its main strength is the high number of wells. This increases the number of samples that can be run simultaneously, improving efficiency. The close proximity of the wells is a weakness that demands careful sample loading.
The comb meets our expectations. It improves our lab’s workflow efficiency.
Design & Ergonomics
The comb is constructed from durable acrylic. This gives it a solid feel and ensures longevity.
It’s user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The acrylic construction ensures the comb is durable. It can withstand repeated use and cleaning.
Maintaining the comb is easy. Simple washing with mild soap and water is enough.
Accessories and Customization Options
The VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it’s designed to be used within the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems.
It’s compatible with standard gel casting stands designed for midi-sized gels. Different combs with varying tooth counts and thicknesses can be used with the same system.
Pros and Cons of VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb
Pros
- Significantly increases sample throughput due to the 28-tooth design.
- Creates well-defined wells for accurate and reliable electrophoresis results.
- Constructed from durable acrylic for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to clean and maintain, ensuring consistent results.
- Integrates seamlessly with the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems, making it a convenient upgrade.
Cons
- Wells are closely spaced, requiring careful and precise sample loading to avoid cross-contamination.
- The 0.75mm thickness might not be ideal for separating very small DNA fragments, which may require thinner gels.
Who Should Buy VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb?
This comb is perfect for molecular biology labs, genetics research facilities, and any lab performing routine DNA fragment analysis. It would be beneficial to any lab that needs increased throughput without sacrificing gel quality.
Labs that primarily work with very small DNA fragments might want to consider combs with thinner gel thicknesses. Also, those new to gel electrophoresis might find the closely spaced wells challenging.
A good quality micropipette with fine tips is a must-have accessory for precise sample loading. Additionally, a well-maintained electrophoresis system is crucial for optimal results.
Conclusion on VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb
The VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb is a valuable addition to any molecular biology lab seeking to improve efficiency. Its increased well capacity allows for high-throughput sample analysis.
The price of $141.99 is justified. The comb’s durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment.
I would definitely recommend it. This comb is a practical and reliable tool for gel electrophoresis.
If you’re looking to streamline your gel electrophoresis workflow and increase sample throughput, the VWR Midi Plus Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems E1115-28MC75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 28-Tooth Comb is an excellent choice. Invest in this comb and watch your lab’s efficiency soar.