GenScript eStain L1 User manual

GenScript USA Inc.
860 Centennial Ave. Piscataway, NJ 08854
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
eStain® L1
Protein Staining System
For fast coomassie blue staining of protein in mini polyacrylamide gels

Table of Contents
3
3
4
5
6
7
7
10
14
14
15
16
16
17
20
Important Notice
Warranty
1. Overview
1.1 Instrument Overview
1.2 Instrument Specifications
1.3 Ordering Information
1.4 Maintenance
2. Instructions
2.1 Instrument display and feature locations
2.2 Pre-Programmed Staining
2.3 Advanced Instruction
2.3.1 Working Interface
2.3.2 Method Interface
2.3.3 Parameters Interface
2.3.4 Engineering Interface
3. Troubleshooting
4. Technical Support
1
2

Caution: Please empty the pipeline by pressing UP and SETTING at the same time before
moving or relocating the instrument
Warranty
eStain® L1 Protein
Staining Device and
accessories
Reagents and
accessories that
comes with eStain® L1
device
For best performance,
please assemble the
instrument following the
instruction listed in the
Table
Component
eStain L1 Protein Staining Device
eStain L1 Gel holder (Installed inside the device)
Power Cord
Forceps
Shovel (for cutting gels)
Stainless steel Tray
eStain L1 Small Two Pass Screw Cap
Component
eStain L1 Protein Staining Kit
eStain L1 Liquid container
For temporary storage of liquid waste, please empty the container in a timely manner
Cat. NO.
L00659-1
L00661-5
Cat. NO.
L00657
L00658
-
-
-
-
L00663
Quantity
1
1
Quantity
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
Step Description
Please verify that all parts listed below are included within your package
- 2 -- 1 -
Important Notice
GenScript warrants that eStain L1 Protein Staining Device will be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase or
an accumulative working time of 10,000 minutes (Channel A+B), whichever comes
first. If any defects occur during this warranty period, GenScript will, at its option,
repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of the product at no charge to you.
Notice：Damage caused by improper transportation, or any of the following actions are excluded:
• Improper operation.
• Repair or modification done by any other party than GenScript or an
authorized agent
• Use of fittings or other spare parts supplied by any other party than
GenScript.
• Damages caused by disasters.
• Corrosion due to the use of improper solvent or sample.
For consultation and maintenance services, please contact GenScript customer
service and provide the following information. If sending the instrument to GenScript
for repair (with GenScript’s consent), please ensure proper packaging to avoid
unnecessary damage during transportation.
Instrument model:
Instrument serial number:
Order number:
Date of delivery:
Check that the Power Cord supplied with the unit is compatible with local
socket format (see instrument specifications).
Place eStain L1 on a leveled laboratory bench.
Keep the area around the device clear, especially at the back of the
instrument, to ensure adequate ventilation.
Ensure that the AC power switch at the back of the instrument is in the Off
position.
Connect the inlets and outlet pipes from the instrument with the
color-matched liquid container as instructed below:
Staining reagent container: Blue
Destaining reagent container; Green
Waste container: white or colorless
Turn on the power switch for
the eStain L1. The machine will
start a self-test, after which the
screen will display the working
interface (right). The machine is
ready for use.
1
2
3
4
5
6

- 4 -- 3 -
1. Overview
1.1 Instrument
Overview
eStain L1 is a highly efficient protein PAGE gel staining system, which uses
Coomassie Brilliant Blue and a patented protein staining technology developed
by Genscript. eStain L1 staining system integrates the traditional three steps of
fixing- staining-destaining into one step and can stain/destain two protein PAGE
gels simultaneously in 10 minutes or less.
eStain L1 protein PAGE gel staining system consists of two parts, one is the
eStain L1 protein staining instrument, and the other is the eStain L1 protein
staining kit which includes the consumables required for the staining/destaining.
After electrophoresis, transfer the PAGE gel onto the gel holder following the
instruction and insert the gel holder into the staining chamber. Simply press the
start button to start the staining process. The instrument automatically pumps
in/out the staining/destaining buffers and no additional reagents or operations are
needed. eStain L1 works with all types of precast as well as homemade mini
PAGE gels. Compared with the conventional staining methods, gels stained by
eStain L1 have crisp blue bands with minimum or no background. eStain L1 also
offers superior sensitivity compared to conventional methods and can detect as
low as 12.5 ng of protein.
eStain L1 protein staining kit is a one-time-usage consumable for protein PAGE
gel staining. One eStain L1 protein staining kit (L00659-1) can stain about 40
gels.
Important features of the eStain L1 Protein Staining System include:
• Stain/destain PAGE gel (s) in 10 minutes or less with Coomassie Brilliant
Blue
• Easy to use, convenient
• Staining/destaining buffers are pumped in/out automatically and no other
reagents are needed
• Much more efficient than the traditional staining method
• Compatible with different types of mini PAGE gels
Important note
1.2 Instrument
Specifications
eStain® L1 Gel Holder
eStain® L1 Protein Staining Device
Weight:
Dimensions:
Electrical Parameters:
Built-in Features:
Compatibility:
Materials:
Operating Temperature:
Forceps:
Shovel:
Tray:
7.58 Kg
410 mm(L) ×270 mm(W)×260 mm(H)
110 - 120 V, 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 10 A
Digital display, alarm, press key, light LED
Suitable for fast Coomassie blue staining of proteins in mini
polyacrylamide gels
ABS, PP, Titanium, Plasticized silicone, Stainless steel
15-40 ℃
Stainless steel
Polycarbonate
Stainless steel
Dimensions:
Weight:
Materials:
110 mm (L) × 130 mm (W) × 14 mm (H)
60 g
PP
Avoid acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, and acetic acid, these reagents can erode or damage the device.

1. Overview
- 6 -- 5 -
1.3 Ordering Information 1.4 Maintenance
Consumables
eStain® L1 Concentrated
Solution Kit (Large)
(Cat. No. L00687L)
Contents
eStain® L1 Concentrated
Cleaning Kit
(Cat. No. L00668) Contents
eStain® L1 Protein
Staining Kit
(Cat. No. L00659-1)
Contents
Component
eStain L1 Protein Staining Kit
eStain L1 Concentrated Solution Kit (Large)
Package
1 kit
1 kit
Cat. NO.
L00659-1
L00687L
Component
eStain L1 Staining Solution
eStain L1 Destaining Solution
eStain L1 Filter paper
Size
5 L
5 L
50 pk
Cat. NO.
M00548-1
M00549-1
L00660
Component
eStain L1 Concentrated Staining
Solution (L), 2.5X
eStain L1 Concentrated Destaining
Solution (L), 10X
eStain L1 Filter Paper
Size
5 L
5 L
50 pk
Quantity
2
1
5
Quantity
1
2
1
Cat. NO.
M00625L
M00626L
L00660
Component
eStain L1 Liquid container
eStain L1
Small Two Pass Screw Cap (Fit 5 L and 10 L container)
eStain L1 Gel Holder
eStain L1 tube
eStain L1 Instrument Cover
Size
5 L
10 L
3 pk
2 pk
10 m
20 m
-
Cat. NO.
L00661-5
L00661-10
L00663
L00658
L00662-10
L00662-20
L00667
Component
eStain L1 Concentrated Cleaning Solution
eStain L1 Liquid container
Size
0.5
5 L
Quantity
2
1
Cat. NO.
M00551
L00661-5
Instrument
Consumables List
To ensure the quality of
gel staining, we
recommend regular
maintenance of the
instrument
*Cleaning Solution
Preparation
Component Maintenance description
Concentrated Cleaning Solution /Concentrated destaining solution)
Ethanol (>95%)
ddH2O
Per 1L
200 ml
300 ml
500 ml
Mix well before use
Some reagents may crystallize at low temperature, equilibrate and ensure the reagent is fully dissolved
before use
L00660 and L00549-1 can be ordered separately
Some reagents may crystallize at low temperature, equilibrate and ensure the reagent is fully dissolved
before use
Some reagents may crystallize at low temperature, equilibrate and ensure the reagent is fully dissolved
before use
Gel Holder
Channel and pipeline
Notices
1. Per 50 times use, immerse the gel holder in 75% alcohol (or
per 900 ml 75% ethanol and 100 ml concentrated cleaning
solution) for 4 hours. After that rinse the gel holder with
distilled water and dry. User can also immerse the gel holder
in 75% ethanol
after each use and rinse with distilled water
before the next use.
2. If there are brown spots on the fabric, immerse the gel holder
in 1 M NaOH for 6-12 hours and then clean with a soft brush.
After that, continue with process 1.
Per 100 gels use, it is recommended to clean the channel and
pipeline with the following procedures:
1. Press the UP and SETTING keys at the same time until the
unit beeps. The Instrument will begin to empty the pipeline.
2. Prepare 2 L cleaning solution (instructed below). *
3. Set program. Method 4 is set as a cleaning program (user
can also customize a program by setting the staining cycles
to 4, each cycles times to 5 min, and equilibrium cycle and
destain cycle to 0).
4. Insert the staining solution inlet pipe into the cleaning
solution.
5. Run the cleaning program at Channel A and Channel B.
6. After the end of cleaning program, press the UP and
SETTING at the same time until the instrument beeps. Then
instrument will begin to empty the pipeline.
7. Connect the staining solution inlet pipe back to staining
solution container and set the program to the one that is
normally used. Now the channel and pipeline cleaning is
finished.
If the instrument will be left unused for a long time:
Please run the emptying program 2 times before disconnecting
the power supply. (as described in the Channel and pipline
cleaning section above). Change the covers of the staining
solution and destaining solution to sealed screw caps to
prevent the solutions from evaporating.
Relocate the instrument:
Please ensure that the pipelines are empty before moving or
relocating the instrument. Ensure that the instrument remains
level during the moving process to prevent leakage of the
solutions

- 8 -- 7 -
2. Instruction contents
2.1 Instrument display and feature locations
eStain® L1 Protein Staining
Device TOP View
eStain® L1 Protein Staining
Device Keypad
Keypad function
eStain® L1 Protein Staining
Device BACK View
eStain® L1 Protein Staining
Device Display
Note: The display will change depending on the selection you have made. It will display a Working
Interface, Method Interface, Parameters Interface or Engineering Interface which can each be used to
customize settings and programs (please see details: Advanced Instruction)
Operation key FunctionInterface
eStain® L1 Protein Staining Device Keypad as shown in the following
SETTING Key
UP Key
DOWN Key
Channel A START Key
Channel B START Key
Channel A lnforma
Channel B lnforma
The present
state of channel
The remainder of
the current program
Channel A Program
Channel B Program
Channel A and Gel Holder
Keypad
Channel B and Gel Holder
Display
Staining Solution inlet
Dastaining Solution inlet
Waste Outlet Working Interface
Method Interface
Parameters Interface
Engineering Interface
Working Interface
Method Interface
Parameters Interface
Engineering Interface
Working Interface
Method Interface
Parameters Interface
Engineering Interface
Working Interface
Working Interface
UP
UP
Increase cycle number / Increase reaction
time
Increase initial liquid inlet time / Increase
the pipeline emptying time
DOWN
DOWN
Reduce cycle number / Reduce reaction
time
Reduce initial liquid inlet time / Reduce the
pipeline emptying time
Long press to enter Method Interface
Short press to select the highlighted
program, and return to Working Interface
Long press to enter the current
Parameters interface
Short press to move and highlight the next
variable
Long press save, exit and use the selected
program
short press to move and highlight the next
variable
Short press, Channel A starts to run
program
Long press, Channel A stops and is forced
to empty
Short press, Channel B starts to run
program
Long press, Channel B stops and is forced
to empty
Fuse
Power Input
Power Switch

Keypad function Operation key FunctionInterface
- 10 -- 9 -
Preparation before
Staining
2.2 Pre-Programmed Staining
Use the following recommendations for best results:
• Wear gloves at all times during the entire staining procedures to prevent
contamination of filter papers and gels.
• Always use the kits before the specified expiration date printed on the
package.
• Some solutions may crystallize at low temperatures. Please equilibrate and
ensure the reagent is fully dissolved before use.
eStain L1 protein staining device related consumables can be found at 1.3
eStain L1 Protein Staining Kit (Cat. No. L00659-1) or eStain L1 Destaining Solution
(Cat. No. M00549-1) can be used directly. If you are buying an eStain L1
concentrated Protein Staining Kit (Cat. No. L00669L), please dilute as instructed
below before use.
Solution Operation
eStain L1 concentrated
staining solution(L), 2.5X
eStain L1 concentrated
destaining solution(L), 10X
2. Instruction contents
2.1 Instrument display and feature locations
1. Add 3 L distilled water into the 5 L eStain L1 Liquid
Container
2. Add 2 L eStain L1 concentrated Staining Solution(L)
(M00569L) into the container of Step 1
3. Mix well before use
1. Add 4.5 L distilled water into the 5 L eStain L1 Liquid
Container
2. Add 0.5 L eStain L1 concentrated Destaining
Solution(L) (M00570L) into the container of Step 1
3. Mix well before use
Working Interface
Working Interface
Working Interface
Working Interface
Working Interface
Working Interface
Press all together until beeps, Channel A
starts to run Destain Program
Press all together until beeps, Channel B
starts to run Destain Program
Press all together until beeps, Channel A
starts to run Equilibrium Program
Press all together until beeps, Channel B
starts to run Equilibrium Program
Press all together until beeps, display
Engineering Interface
Press all together until beeps, instrument
starts emptying pipeline

- 12 -- 11 -
Staining procedure
Examples
Uniformity Test
5. Pre-wet a piece of filter paper (provided) with
distilled water and place it on top of the gel.
6. Close the gel holder.
7. Choose a Channel and insert the gel holder
into the channel as show on the right.
Note: Please ensure the fabric side of the gel hold is
facing the user before inserting it into the Channel.
9. The instrument beeps as the program
countdown to 0.
8. Press the corresponding channel to start the
program. The timer of the corresponding
channel starts to countdown.
10. The channel stops flashing and the screen
returns to normal.
Gel: ExpressPlus PAGE Gel, 4-12%, 10 wells (Genscript, M41210)
Samples: 
Program: Pre-programmed Stain
Time: 9 min 30 s
2.2 Pre-Programmed Staining
2. Instruction contents
1. Add distilled water into the tray provided
2. After electrophoresis, carefully remove the pre-run gel from the gel cassette and briefly
rinse the gel with distilled water for 1 min.
Notice: If you’re using precast gels from Life Technology, please remove the upper thicker part of
the gel beneath the comb before staining to ensure the gel is in close contact with the filter paper.
3. Open the gel holder and place it on the table with the fabric side down
4. Carefully place the gel on the fabric side of the
gel holder. Ensure that the upper part of the
gel (with comb) points to the axis of the gel
holder and is as close to the axis as possible
(as shown in the picture).
The axis of
the gel holder
The part of the
gel (with comb)

Present state
of channel
The remainder
of current program
The program of
Channel A
The program of
Channel B
Information of
Channel A
Information of
Channel B
- 14 -- 13 -
Sensitivity Test The instrument has four interfaces: Working interface, Method Interface,
Parameters Interface, and Engineering Interface
After turning on the power, the instrument enters the Working Interface
as illustrated below:
2.3.1 Working
Interface
The meanings of
state icon
Icons DescriptionMeanings
Gel: ExpressPlus PAGE Gel, 4-12%, 10 wells (Genscript, M41210)
Program: Pre-programmed Stain
Time: 9 min 30 s
1. E.coli cell lysis
2. PAGE-MASTER Protein Standard Plus, 5 μl (GenScript, MM1397-500)
3. PAGE-MASTER Protein Standard Plus, 2.5 μl (GenScript, MM1397-500)
4. BSA 200 ng 5. BSA 100 ng
6. BSA 50 ng 7. BSA 25 ng
8. BSA 12.5 ng 9. BSA 6.25 ng
10. E.coli cell lysis
2.2 Pre-Programmed Staining
2. Instruction contents
2.3 Advanced Instruction
Working
Stops
Waiting
Finished
Channel
Emptying
Waiting for
Channel to
empty the
pipeline
insufficient
Solution
and
Waiting
Pipeline
Emptying
The channel program is running
The channel program stops
The channel is waiting
The channel program finished
The channel is emptying its pipeline
The channel is waiting for another channel to
empty the pipeline
Press START after replacing the solution to
empty the channel and to continue
Emptying the solution in the pipeline
Flashing
Two alternate display
Two channel alternate
display
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2. Instruction contents
- 16 -- 15 -
2.3.2 Method
Interface
2.3.4 Engineering
Interface
The workflow of eStain L1 contains equilibrium cycles, staining cycles and
destaining cycles. In this interface, you can set the number of cycles for the
equilibrium, staining and destaining program, and the duration for each cycle
Note: Cycle number can be set to 0-4 range and each cycle time can be set to 0-5 minutes.
1. When cycles number is highlighted, press UP or DOWN to change the number
of cycles
2. Press SETTING to highlight or switch between different variables
3. Press UP or DOWN to increase or decrease the highlighted cycle time
4. When all parameters are set, press SETTING until beeps to save the setting and
return to the Working Interface. The channel will use the program just saved
In this interface, users can check the accumulated usage time for the pump and
valves. Users can also set the solution inlet time and pipeline emptying time.
Note: Channel, pump and valves have certain lifetime. The instrument will show a reminder when the
set value is reached (see chart). Please contact the Engineer for replacement for safety
Equilibrium cycle number
Equilibrium duration
Staining cycles
Staining duration
Destaining cycles
Destaining duration
Program
channel, accumulated usage
time of the pump
accumulated usage time of the valves
solution inlet time and pipeline
emptying time.
2.3.3 Parameters
Interface
eStain L1 has 7 methods: Stain, Destain, Equilibrium and 4 custom methods. Follow
the instruction below to enter the Method Interface.
1. Press UP or DOWN to select the channel to highlight
2. Press SETTING until beeps to enter the program interface
3. Select the method to use or switch by pressing UP or DOWN
4. When finished, press SETTING and return to the Working Interface
To modify, press SETTING until beeps to enter the Parameters Interface
Program Function DescriptionFast Operation
Stain
Destain
Equilibrium
Method 1-4
Staining
Destaining
Equilibrium
Custom methods
Applicable to most gels
Press all together until beeps,
Channel A runs Destain Program
Press all together until beeps,
Channel B runs Destain Program
Press all together until beeps,
Channel A runs Equilibrium Program
Press all together until beeps,
Channel B runs Equilibrium Program
The setting can be stored
The List of
Programs
Current Program
Choosed Channel
2.3 Advanced Instruction
Channel A
Channel B
Main pump
valve1
Valve2
Valve3
10000 min
10000 min
10000 min
100000 times
100000 times
100000 times

Not enough staining solution in
Channel A Reasons and
Solutions:
1. Not enough solution or the
end of the tube is above the
solution. Please add more
staining solution or insert the
tube into the solution.
2. There are twists on the tubes
which block the solution from
being pumped in. Please
untwist on the tubes.
3. The ends of the tubes might
have formed a seal with the
bottom of the container.
Please shorten the tube or
make a slope cut at the end of
the tube.
4. Automatic adjustment due to
the pressure changes. No
special actions required.
Press any key to return to the
main menu. Take the steps as
instructed.
Press to continue the
process. If the red part in the
display panel is Channel B,
press to continue the
process.
Problems SolutionDescription of the problem
Not enough equilibrium/destaining
solution in channel A. Causes and
Solutions
1. Not enough solution or the
opening of the tube is above
the solution. Please add more
corresponding solution.
2. There are twists in the tubes
which blocks solutions from
being pumped in. Please
untwist the tubes.
3. The ends of the tubes form a
seal with the bottom of the
container. Please shorten the
tube or make a slope cut at the
end of the tube.
4. Automatic adjustment due to
pressure changes. No special
actions required.
Press any key to return to the
main menu. Take the steps as
instructed.
Press to continue the
process.
If the red part in the display panel
is Channel B, press to
continue the process.
- 18 -- 17 -
Problems SolutionDescription of the problem
Q1
Q2
Q3
starting up
(Q1~Q2)
During
Operation
Q3~Q6
The instrument detected there is
an incomplete program from the
latest working session. The
channels were forced to empty
for safety purposes.
Please wait for the instrument to
complete the self-check and
return to the Working Interface.
The accessory highlighted in the
blue part maybe Valve (1), Valve
(2), Valve(3), Channel A, or
Channel B
The lifetime of the part
highlighted in blue has reached
its recommended maximum
value.
Users are advised to contact
GenScript to replace the
corresponding components, so
as to avoid unnecessary losses
Return to working interface by
press any button.
Q4
Q5
Q6
Each channel has its own
current overload protection, this
warning means that the staining
chamber is overloaded
Causes and solutions:
1. High concentration of staining
and destaining solution. This
could be that the concentrated
solutions are not diluted
correctly;
2. The channel is running without
a gel holder inserted or the gel
holder is not fully inserted into
the chamber.
The machine will empty the
corresponding solutions.
There are leakage detectors
placed in the machine. The
warning means there is leakage
in the machine. For your safety,
please power off the machine
and contact GenScript
immediately. Do not try to move
or use the machine before the
problem is solved.
3. Troubleshooting

- 20 -- 19 -
1. The electrophoresis process
has significant impact on the
staining results. We strongly
recommend customers to use
fresh electrophoresis buffer
each time. Try to avoid PAGE
gels with high concentration of
ions.
2. Run one or more destaining
program to further destain the
gel.
3. If the PAGE gels contain high
concentration of ions or with
reused electrophoresis buffer,
please run an equilibrating
program before staining.
4. Please check the reaction
chamber after the run. If there
are lot of residual solution in
the chamber, please contact
our engineers.
Q9 Dark or unclean
background of the stained gel
Staining result
(Q9~Q12)
4. Technical Support
Visit the GenScript web site at www.genscript.com for:
1. Technical resources, including manuals, vector maps and sequences,
application notes, MSDSs, FAQs, formulations, citations, handbooks, etc.
2. Complete technical support contact information
3. Access to the GenScript Online Catalog
4. Additional product information and special offers
For more information or technical assistance, call, write, fax, or email.
GenScript USA Inc.
860 Centennial Ave. Piscataway, NJ 08854
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
3. Troubleshooting
Problems SolutionDescription of the problem
Q7 machine repeatedly gives
"Not enough solutions" warnings.
Other devicer
elated issues.
(Q7~Q8)
Please check the tubes to see if
there are twists and that the end
of the tubes form a seal with the
bottom of the container, If not,
please enter the "engineering
interface" to change the initiating
time
Q8 Channel A and Channel B
have different running time
even they use the same
program or parameters.
Or the time of different runs
using the same channel and
program are different.
1. Channel A and B have
independent detectors to check
the steps of the staining
process, so the running time
between the two channels may
be different.
2. The pumping time is determined
by the solution level in the
reaction chamber and will be
different between each run. The
machine automatically calculate
an estimated running time
based on the time used by the
previous run. If the actual
pumping time is shorter than the
previous run, machine will skip
the spare time and result in a
shorter running time than
estimated.
Problems SolutionDescription of the problem
Q10 Spots on the gel 1. Air bubbles between the gel
and filter paper might
occasionally cause such
problems, run an additional
destaining program to remove
the spots.
2. Edge effect: sometimes will
also cause such problems on
the edges of gel, run an
additional destaining program
to remove the spots.
Q11 Only half of the gel is stained 1. Carefully check the solution
detectors located at the top of
the reaction chamber to see if
there are residual gels or
papers built up on the detectors.
If there are, please carefully
remove them with a forceps.
2. Clean the detectors with a
filter paper and rerun the
staining program.
Q12 Large blue area at the bottom
of gels. The gel is far away from the gel
holder connection axis. Re-place
the gel as instructed and run a
separate destaining program to
remove the staining.