Expedeon Gelfree 8100 User manual

GELFREE® 8100 Fractionation System
Molecular weight fractionation with liquid phase recovery

User
Manual

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (2 of 30)
Table of Contents
General Information3
Introduction3
Types of Products3
Components3
Specifications4
Safety Information5
Unpacking and Placement6
Unpacking and Inspection of Parts6
Instrument Placement6
Description of Parts7
GELFREE® 8100 Fractionation Station7
GELFREE® 8100 Cartridge Kit9
Operating Procedures10
Installation and Power Up10
Loading the Cartridge & Electrode Placement10
Operating the Software12
Running the Cartridge20
Maintenance and Technical Service25
User Notifications26
Bibliography27
Limited Use License28
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 


GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (3 of 30)
General Information
Introduction
The GELFREE® 8100 Fractionation System enables preparative-
scale fractionation of analytes according to electrophoretic mobility.
The GELFREE (Gel-Eluted Liquid FRaction Entrapment
Electrophoresis) technique provides all of the advantages of 1D gel
electrophoresis, with the additional benefits of increased loading
capacity and high yield liquid phase recovery. The proprietary
GELFREE design allows for concurrent fractionation of up to 8
samples. The system is comprised of the GELFREE 8100
Fractionation Station, a bench-top instrument, and single-use
GELFREE 8100 Cartridge Kits. The Station is a programmable
power supply that accurately applies electrical potential, stopping at
user-specified intervals for fraction collection. A touch screen
graphical user interface provides easy and simple navigation while
creating, executing, or monitoring fractionation methods. Precast
gel cartridges ensure the highest possible reproducibility while
providing quick and easy setup.
Types of Products
This manual is supplied for the following products:
Product Catalog no.
GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System 48100
GELFREE 8100 Cartridge Kit 42102, 42103,
42104, 42105
Components
The components included with the different products are as follows:
Product Component
GELFREE 8100 Fractionation
System
GELFREE 8100 Fractionation
Station
Power Cord
User Manual
GELFREE 8100 Cartridge Kit GELFREE 8100 Cartridge
GELFREE 8100 Running Buffer
GELFREE 8100 Sample Buffer
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (4 of 30)
Specifications
GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station Specifications
Dimensions: 33 cm W x 14 cm H x 33 cm D
Clearance & Ventilation: 38 cm vertical clearance for cartridge
loading
20 cm back clearance for airflow
Weight: 4.5kg (10 lbs)
Power: 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, replace fuse with
GMA-3-R, or equivalent 3A/250VAC fast-
blow fuse
Max Power: 450 VA
Temperature Limits: Storage: 10-60°C, 30-80% relative
humidity
Operating: 22°C, 30-80% relative humidity
Ingress Prot. Rating: IPXo
GELFREE 8100 Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge Size: 12.5 cm x 8.5cm
Gel Size: (L) 2.5cm, (OD) 8mm
Sample Volume: 250 µL
Reservoir Volume: 9.5 mL
Temperature Limits: Storage: 20-25°C, 30-80% relative
humidity
Operating: 22°C, 30-80% relative humidity
GELFREE 8100 Cartridge Buffer Specifications
Running Buffer: 500 mL
Sample Buffer: 1.9 mL
Temperature Limits: Storage: 20-25°C, 30-80% relative
humidity
Operating: 22°C, 30-80% relative humidity
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE
®
8100 Fractionation System (5 of 30)
Safety Information
During operation, the GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station lid must
always remain closed to ensure the safety of the operator. This
product is safe to use when operated in accordance with this
instruction manual. If this unit is used or modified in a manner not
specified in this manual, then protection afforded by the unit will be
impaired. Alteration of this unit will:
 Void the warranty
 Create potential safety hazards
Protein Discovery is not responsible for any injury or damage
caused by use of this device when operated for purposes for which
it is not intended. All repairs and services should be performed by
Protein Discovery.
Note: The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station is capable of
supplying up to 300 V per channel. However, the voltage
recommended for best results is specific to each cartridge
type, as more fully described on the Cartridge Kit Reference
Card.
! Important Notice
The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System is manufactured in the
USA from domestic and international components.
To ensure safe, reliable operation, always operate the GELFREE
8100 Fractionation System according to the instructions provided in
this manual. Wear personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves and
safety glasses) when working in a laboratory environment.
Expedeon products are intended for in vitro use only.
Expedeon is not responsible for injuries or damages caused
by improper use.
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (6 of 30)
Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking and Inspection of Parts
Upon receipt of your GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station, open
the box, carefully remove the foam packaging, and remove the
instrument and power cord from the box.
Remove the tape securing the lid, along with the protective plastic,
so that the lid can operate freely. The instrument could have been
damaged during shipment. Inspect the instrument case, lid and
hinges, and electrodes for any obvious signs of damage. If damage
has occurred, please notify Customer Service immediately.
Instrument Placement
The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station includes a high voltage
power supply and electronics that are sensitive to moisture,
extreme temperature, and electromagnetic interference. Heat
generated when using the instrument is dissipated using a series of
fans in the rear of the instrument. Proper airflow must be ensured to
avoid overheating of the instrument during operation. As such, the
instrument should be placed on a level table or laboratory bench
removed from routine handling of liquid reagents. The minimum
recommended space is 24” W x 24” D x 18” H allowing for 8” of
unobstructed space behind the instrument.
Figure 1. Proper Instrument Placement.
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (7 of 30)
Description of Parts
ELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station
he GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station is an independently-
controllable, eight channel electrophoretic power supply designed
pecifically for use with GELFREE 8100 Cartridge Kits. It features a
touch screen display, power supply capable of delivering constant
oltage (20-300 V) fo
retractable electrode a
eferred to in this manu
Figure 2. GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station.
G
T
s
v r pre-programmed time intervals, and
rrays. The p ry instrument components
al a ow.
rima
re labeled belr
Touch Screen
Display
Instrument Enclosure Lid
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (8 of 30)
Description of Parts (cont.)
Figure 3. GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station.
ElectrodeArray
Cartridge
PositioningKey
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (9 of 30)
Description of Parts (cont.)
G
T
ELFREE 8100 Cartridge Kit
he GELFREE 8100 Cartridge is a patented, single use cartridge
esigned for insertion into the GELFREE 8100 Fractionation
Station. The cartridge is supplied with storage buffer and specially
designed, pre
reproduci
below.
Figure 4. GELFREE 810
Included with each Cartridge Kit is the Running Buffer (500 mL) and
(5x) Sample Buffer (1.9 mL), which comprises all the buffer
necessary to run all eight channels in the cartridge.
Note: DO NOT REFRIGERATE
d
cast gels, ensuring maximum separation
bility. The primary cartridge components are labeled
Cathode Buffer
Reservoirs
Anode Buffer
Reservoirs
Sample Loading
Chambers
Sample Collection
Chambers
Stacking Gels Resolving Gels
0 Fractionation Cartridge.
the cartridge. The cartridge must
be stored at room temperature (20-25°C) at all times.
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (10 of 30)
Operating Procedures
Installation and Power Up
To power on the instrument, insert the provided power cord into the
socket on the back of the instrument, move the instrument to its
final position, and plug the cord into a suitable power supply (100-
240 VAC, 50-60 Hz). Power on the unit using the switch located on
the back of the instrument above the power cord.
During the power up procedure, the Protein Discovery logo will be
isplayed on the touch screen. Once powered up, the main control
screen fo ill be displ peration
of the high vo r interlock by o osing the lid of
the instrument. In the lower right corner of the main screen, the ‘Lid
State’ indicator will switch from green (closed) to red (open) to
indicate engagement of the interlock.
Loading the Cartridge and Electrode Placement
Opening the access to the c partment for
loading and unloading the cartridg cting fractions
during the experiment. The cartridge is loaded such that the well
numbers imprinted on the cartridge can be read by the operator and
the arrows imprinted on the cartridge point to the right. The
cartridge positioning key (Figure 3) prevents the user from loading
the cartridge in ntatio rtridge shou d
rest fully on the bottom of the cartridge compartment. With th
cartridg by the
user. Th n of the
et when raising
and lowering the electrodes into position.
d
r the instrument w
ltage powe
ayed. Verify proper o
pening and cl
lid allows artridge com
e and for colle
the wrong orie n. The loaded ca l
e
e in place, the electrode arrays are lowered in place
e arrows in Figures 5 and 6 indicate the directio
applied force when raising and lowering the electrodes. Do not
force the electrodes into position – this can permanently damage
the mechanism. Very little resistance should be m
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (11 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
e
Figure 5. GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station with cartridg
and retracted electrodes. Follow arrows to lower electrodes.
Figure 6. GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station with cartridge
and lowered electrodes. Follow arrows to lift electrodes.
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (12 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
Operating the Software
Introduction
The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station is controlled by an
onboard computer with a touch screen interface. The primary
operating modes are the following:
 Method Development/Editing
Once the d
operating screen will
The ‘Main Screen’ in
the co
s
Figure 7. The GELFREE 8100 Fraction
 Method Execution
 Method Monitoring
evice is powered up, the central navigation and
be displayed on the touch screen interface.
cludes the key features necessary to navigate
ntrol software and develop/edit, execute and monitor
eparation methods (Figure 7).
Pause Abort Channel Method
ation Station Main Screen.
Negative
SelectedMethod: 1Step:1of12(85V,1min) LidState:
–+
Time Elapsed
00:00:40
1 85V 14.8mA
2 85V 14.6mA
3 85V 14.7mA
4 85V 14.8mA
5 85V 14.9mA
6 85V 14.8mA
7 85V 14.9mA
8 85V 14.8mA
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (13 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
Method Development/Editing:
ote: Be sure to refer to the Cartridge Kit Reference Card
each Cartridge Kit when setting up and running
1.
Figure 8. The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station Methods
Screen.
2. Touch the ‘Retrieve’ button. This will bring up a dialogue
screen (Figure 9) requesting a method number.
r
the existing input. Next, enter a method number that has not
been used and press OK. This will lead to the screen shown
in Figure 10. Touch the step number to be modified.
N
provided with
the fractionation method.
To create a new method, follow these steps:
On the Main Screen, touch the ‘Method’ button displayed in
the uppe This will take you to
the Meth
r right hand corner (Figure 7).
ods Screen (Figure 8).
Step Voltage Time(Min:Sec)
3. Begin by pressing the “C” button on the number pad to clea
Done
Apply
Save
Retrieve
185V05:00
Method1
285V  11:00
385V  01:00
485V  01:00
585V  02:00
685V  02:00
785V  02:00
885V  02:00
985V  05:00
1085V 05:00
Prev Next
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (14 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station. Retrieve
Method.
Figure 9.
Figure e New
Method.
10. The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station. Defin
Step Voltage Time(Min:Sec)
Method1
Done
Apply
Save
Retrieve
185V05:00
285V  11:00
385V  01:00
5
6
7
8
985V  05:00
1085V 05:00
485V  01:00
85V  02:00
85V  02:00
85V  02:00
85V  02:00
RetrieveMethod(1‐99)?
1
Prev Next
OK Cancel
21 3
54 6
87 9
0 C
Step Voltage Time(Min:Sec)
Done
Apply
Save
Retrieve
10V  00:00
Method2
20V 00:00
30V 00:00
40V 00:00
7
8
9
10 
50V 00:00
60V00:00
0V00:00
0V00:00
0V00:00
0V00:00

Prev Next
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (15 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
4. This leads to the input screen shown in Figure 11. The
green cell indicates an active cell where a value for voltage
or time can be added or modified by following these simple
steps:
a. Cancel the value in the cell using the ‘C’ on the
number pad.
b. Enter the desired value using the keypad.
Figure 11. The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station. Develop/Edit
New Method.
Ste
c. Touch the inactive cell to activate it. Then repeat steps
a and b.
d. The ‘Next’ and ‘Previous’ buttons allow the user to edit
the next step or the previous step, respectively. A
maximum of 30 steps may be included in any single
method.
e. When editing is complete, touch the OK button.
p Voltage   Time(Mi n:Sec)
Method2
185V 05:00
285V  11:00
385V  01:00
485V  01:00
585V  02:00
685V  02:00
785V  02:00
885V  02:00
985V  05:00
1085V05:00
Prev Next
Done
Apply
Save
Retrieve
Step1
Voltage(V)
Time(min)
1 2 3
85
4 5 6
1
7 8 9
Prev Next
.0 C
OK Cancel
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (16 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
5. Review the voltage/time profiles for each step in the new
method. Press ‘Save’ on the Method Screen (Figure 10). A
pop-up box will appear with a default method number of 1.
Clear or type over the method number to give the newly
rea ec t d method a different number.
Nex , press ‘Apply’ on the same screen to go back to main 6. t
ee
To edit e
followin
in step
as de c ed
! Impo n
It is critical that ev th the
GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station incorporate a first step to
allow the user to add an additional 2 mL of Running Buffer to
the Cathode Buffer Reservoir (bringing the total volume to 8
mL) and to thoroughly rinse the Sample Loading Chamber.
For standard methods, the first step parameters are shown on
the Quick Reference Card provided with each Cartridge Kit.
For a custom method, the first step should be applied once the
dye front is visible in the gel tube (16 minutes at 50 V, 8
minutes at 100 V).
Executing a Method:
1. Retrieve a defined method by pressing the ‘Method’ button
on the Main Screen as previously described. Once the
method has been retrieved, press ‘Apply’ to apply the
method and return to the Main Screen.
nnel’ button on the Main Screen. This will bring up the
Channel Screen (Figure 12). Select the combination of
channels to run during the experiment by pressing the
scr n (Figure 7).
an xisting method, follow the steps outlined above, with the
exception. Rathg er than using a number for a new method
3, enter the number of an existing method. Edit the method
above and then save the method.
t
s rib
rta
ery method developed for use wi
2. Select the channels to run in the cartridge by pressing the
‘Cha
corresponding channel button (e.g. ‘Channel 1’), or press
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (17 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
‘Set All Channels’ to apply the method to all eight channels.
Once the desired combination of channels has been
selected, press ‘Done’ to return to the Main Screen.
Figure 12. The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station Channel
Screen.
3. Press the polarity button on the Main Screen to set the
polarity of the field. For all experiments using SDS, the
polarity should be ‘Negative.’
thod has been applied and the channels
selected, press the ‘Start’ button on the Main Screen to
begin a run. Once running, the ‘Start’ button becomes the
‘Pause’ button, which allows the user to pause the run.
4. Once the me
5. To completely stop an experiment once it has been started,
press the ‘Abort’ button on the Main Screen. A confirmation
screen will appear (Figure 13). To abort, touch ‘Yes’ or touch
‘No’ to return to the Main Screen.
Channel 8
Set All
Channels
Channel 2
Channel 1
Clear
Channels
Channel 5
Channel 4
Channel 3
Channel 6
Channel 7
Done
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (18 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
Figure 13. The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station. Abort
Experiment.
Monitoring a Method:
Pause Abort Channel Method
1.
of the Main Screen indi s of each channel. A
g
Channel Status: The circles shown in the box on the left side
cate the statu
reen circle indicates that the channel is active. The applied
voltages and currents are displayed to the right of the
channel status circles. When the method is paused, the
circles will turn yellow. If the method fails to start or fails
during the run, the circles will turn red. When the circles are
either yellow or red, the voltage readout is zero.
Time Monitor: By touching the button above the digital time
counter, the user can toggle between ‘Time Elapsed’, ‘Time
2.
Remaining’, or ‘Time To Pause’. The progress bar provides
a visual indication of all time metrics.
Negative
SelectedMethod: 2Step:1of12(85V,5min) LidState:
–+
Time Remaining
01:27:59
1 85V 14.8mA
2 85V 14.6mA
3 85V 14.7mA
4 85V 14.8mA
5 85V 14.9mA
6 85V 14.8mA
7 85V 14.9mA
8 85V 14.8mA
AbortExperiment?
Yes No
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (19 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
3. Active Method: At the bottom left corner of the Main Screen,
the method that is currently selected is shown.
4. Method Status: At the bottom center of the Main Screen, the
current step that is active is shown (e.g. ‘Step 1 of 12 (50 V,
16 min)).
5. Lid Status: At the bottom right corner of the Main Screen, a
green circle indicates that the lid is closed (ready/safe to
operate) and a red circle indicates that the lid is open (will
not operate).
6. Software Release Information: Touch the PDI icon found in
the top left of the screen to view the current software version
running the GELFREE 8100 Fractionation Station.
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System (20 of 30)
Operating Procedures (cont.)
Runn
rod
im
1.
4.
! Impor
e p
deterg
rac desalt
nd remove any known con aminants. If your sample has
particulates, we highly recommend passing the sample
through a 0.8 µm syringe filter to remove any loose
particulates prior to further preparation.
Once the sample is ready for preparation, please follow these
steps:
1. In a 500 µL vial, combine the following:
a. Up to 112 µL Sample
b. + 30 µL Sample Buffer (5X)
c. + 8 µL 1M DTT (optional, not provided in the kit)
d. + x µL H
ing the Cartridge
uctionInt
It is perative that the steps below are followed in sequence:
Prepare the sample(s) and create or modify existing method.
. Prepare the cartridge and load the sample(s).
3. Start the run.
Collect the fractions.
Preparing the Sam
2
ple(s)
tant Notice
Th resence of low molecular weight contaminants, such as
ents, urea, and excessive salts will negatively impact the
tionation results. Before you start, be sure to fullyf
a t
2O
e. = 150 µL
Note: If the sample volume is less than 112 µL, add 18MΩ
H2O to bring the final volume to 150 µL.
© 2013 Expedeon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.