MiniRapide Gel Tank: The Complete Solution for Quick DNA Checks
The MiniRapide Gel Tank is a fully integrated, ultra-compact horizontal electrophoresis system designed to streamline routine nucleic acid screening. In busy laboratories where bench space is a critical resource, this self-contained unit offers an efficient alternative to larger, cumbersome tanks. Ideally suited for checking PCR products, restriction digests, and cloning verification, the MiniRapide allows researchers to visualise results quickly without compromising resolution.
Engineered for user convenience and safety, the system features a unique dam-based casting method that eliminates the need for tape or complex external casters. The gel is poured directly into the tray using the provided dams, ensuring a leak-free seal every time. Once solidified, the dams are removed, and the tank is ready for running. The unit is constructed from robust acrylic with platinum electrodes, optimised to generate a uniform electric field for straight, sharp bands even during short runs.
Buffer and gel volumes have been kept to a minimum and the parallel electrode arrangement allows ultra efficient current transfer, enabling resolution to be completed within 30 minutes.
Key Benefits:
- Rapid Separation: High-speed analysis. The compact footprint and low buffer volume allow for significantly shorter run times, perfect for quick data verification.
- Economical Operation: Reduced reagent costs. Requiring as little as 50ml of buffer, the system minimises the consumption of expensive agarose and running buffers over time.
- Simplified Casting: Leak-free gel preparation. Integral casting dams facilitate a “plug-and-cast” workflow, removing the frustration of taping trays or using separate casting gates.
- Versatile Capacity: Flexible sample loading. Supplied with two 1.5mm thick, 8-sample combs, the unit can handle varying throughputs, supporting up to 40 samples when using compatible high-density combs.
Technical Insights
The MiniRapide is designed with safety and durability in mind. The lid is keyed to fit only one way, preventing accidental polarity reversal, and fully shrouds the connectors to ensure user safety during operation. The 10 x 8cm gel dimension strikes the optimal balance between run speed and separation distance for fragments ranging from 50bp to several kilobases.
Specifications
- Gel Dimensions: 10 x 8cm
- Unit Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 4cm
- Buffer Volume: Approx. 50ml
- Maximum Sample Capacity: 40 (using 2 x 20-sample combs)
- Included Accessories: 2 x 8 Sample Combs (1.5mm), Casting Dams
- Construction: Acrylic with Platinum Electrodes