Let’s Dive into Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick
The Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick is a seemingly simple, yet critical component for anyone working with electrophoresis. Designed by Labnet, this comb allows for the creation of five perfectly sized wells within a 7cm gel, each 1.5mm thick, ready to receive samples for separation. It’s the kind of tool you might overlook until you realize the frustration of poorly formed wells, sample leakage, and ultimately, compromised results.
My journey to acquiring this comb started, unsurprisingly, with frustration. We were consistently experiencing uneven sample loading with our old, warped comb. It was adding extra steps to our workflow, and impacting data quality.
Upon unboxing, the Labnet E1107-5-1-5 felt solid and well-made. The material felt like a high-quality, durable plastic, smooth and without any imperfections that might distort the wells. Its weight felt substantial enough to inspire confidence, yet light enough to handle with ease.
We’d previously experimented with generic combs purchased online, and a hand-made comb fashioned in-house. The generic combs lacked precision, leading to inconsistencies, while the homemade option lacked durability and fine edges. The Labnet E1107-5-1-5 offered a promise of precision and reliability these alternatives couldn’t match.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to finally have a tool that addressed our well-formation issues, but also slightly skeptical, hoping it would live up to the promises of consistency and durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick to the Test
First Use Experience
The first time I used the Labnet E1107-5-1-5, it was in our standard lab environment, a temperature-controlled room with all the typical electrophoresis equipment at hand. We were running a series of DNA fragment separations. The comb was inserted smoothly into the gel during casting, with no sticking or resistance.
The gel solidified evenly around the comb, creating five clearly defined wells. Removing the comb after the gel had set was surprisingly easy. The wells were clean, uniformly shaped, and ready for sample loading.
I didn’t need any adjustment period to start using it. Its design is so straightforward. The result was a clear improvement over our previous, inconsistent wells. There were no issues during the initial use. In fact, everything went perfectly as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Labnet E1107-5-1-5 comb on a near-daily basis, it has held up remarkably well. The plastic shows no signs of warping or degradation, even with repeated exposure to various buffer solutions and detergents.
The comb remains durable. It’s been bumped and jostled without showing any cracks or damage. Cleaning is also straightforward. A quick rinse with distilled water is usually sufficient to remove any residual gel or debris.
Compared to our previous experiences with unreliable combs, the Labnet E1107-5-1-5 has been a significant upgrade. It consistently produces high-quality wells, which translates to more accurate and reliable electrophoresis results.
Breaking Down the Features of Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick
Specifications
- This comb is specifically designed for use with Labnet Enduro Horizontal Gel Box Systems, particularly the 7cm gel system. This ensures compatibility and optimal performance.
- It features a 5-well configuration. This allows for the simultaneous loading of five different samples.
- Each well is 1.5mm thick. This is a standard thickness that accommodates a reasonable sample volume without causing overflow or diffusion issues.
- The comb is constructed from durable, chemical-resistant plastic. This ensures longevity and prevents degradation from exposure to common electrophoresis reagents.
- Its design facilitates easy insertion and removal from the gel. This minimizes distortion and ensures clean well formation.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the quality and reproducibility of electrophoresis results. The precise well dimensions ensure consistent sample loading, while the durable material guarantees the comb will withstand repeated use and cleaning. The compatibility with Labnet gel systems further streamlines the workflow and reduces potential complications.
Performance & Functionality
The Labnet E1107-5-1-5 comb excels at its primary function: creating uniform and well-defined wells in agarose or polyacrylamide gels. It reliably produces wells that are free from distortion or defects, leading to consistent and accurate sample loading.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and precision. Its design is user-friendly. However, one minor improvement could be the addition of depth markers to ensure consistent comb insertion depth.
Overall, the comb meets and exceeds expectations. It has become an indispensable tool in our lab.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The comb feels solid and well-constructed, with no sharp edges or imperfections.
The design is simple and functional, with a comfortable grip for easy handling. It’s user-friendly with virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Labnet E1107-5-1-5 is constructed from a durable plastic material. This promises a long lifespan even with frequent use and exposure to chemicals.
Maintenance is minimal. The comb is easily cleaned with water or mild detergent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb is primarily designed as a standalone component for gel electrophoresis. It does not come with any additional accessories beyond its intended function.
There aren’t really customization options available for this particular comb. However, users can choose from different well thicknesses and configurations offered by Labnet to best suit their experimental needs.
Pros and Cons of Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick
Pros
- Consistently produces uniform and well-defined wells. This ensures accurate and reliable sample loading for electrophoresis.
- Durable and chemical-resistant construction. This guarantees a long lifespan, even with frequent use and exposure to harsh chemicals.
- Simple and user-friendly design. This minimizes the learning curve and makes it easy to integrate into existing workflows.
- Compatibility with Labnet Enduro Horizontal Gel Box Systems. Ensures optimal performance and seamless integration with other Labnet equipment.
- Improves overall electrophoresis results and reduces errors. This leads to more accurate and reliable data.
Cons
- Lacks depth markers. Adding depth markers could improve consistency during comb insertion.
- Relatively limited to compatible systems. It primarily functions within the Labnet Enduro ecosystem.
Who Should Buy Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick?
The Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick is perfect for molecular biologists, biochemists, and any researchers or technicians routinely performing gel electrophoresis. It’s especially useful for those working with DNA, RNA, or protein samples that require accurate and consistent separation. It is a great addition for labs using Labnet Enduro Horizontal Gel Box Systems.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who don’t perform gel electrophoresis, or who require different well configurations or thicknesses that aren’t supported by this comb. People who aren’t using the Labnet Enduro Horizontal Gel Box Systems should also consider other comb options.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality set of pipettes for accurate sample loading into the wells. A level casting platform is also crucial for ensuring even gel thickness.
Conclusion on Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick
The Labnet E1107-5-1-5 5 well comb for use with 7cm gel system 1.5mm thick is a simple yet essential tool that significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of gel electrophoresis. Its durable construction, user-friendly design, and precise well dimensions make it a valuable addition to any molecular biology lab.
Considering its performance and durability, the price of $73.99 is justified. It’s a worthwhile investment that will pay off in the long run through improved results and reduced errors.
I would personally recommend the Labnet E1107-5-1-5 to any researcher or technician who relies on gel electrophoresis for their work. Its consistent performance and ease of use make it an indispensable tool that will streamline your workflow and enhance the quality of your results. If you’re tired of inconsistent wells and unreliable electrophoresis results, then it’s time to upgrade to the Labnet E1107-5-1-5. Add it to your lab arsenal today and experience the difference!