Thermo Scientific Pierce G2 User manual

Thermo Scientific Pierce
G2 Fast Blotter
Version 1
May 2013
User Manual

Thermo Scientific
© 2013 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.and its subsidiaries. Specifications, terms and pricing are subject
to change. Not all products are available in allcountries. Please consult your local sales
representative for details.

Thermo Scientific / Thermo Scientific Pierce G2 Fast Blotter |3
Contents
Section 1 .......................................................................................................................5
Overview .......................................................................................................................5
Contacting Thermo Fisher Scientific............................................................................................5
Instrument Overview....................................................................................................................7
Unpacking andSetup Instructions......................................................................................7
User Interface.....................................................................................................................7
Section 2 .......................................................................................................................9
Instrument.....................................................................................................................9
Installation Guidelines..................................................................................................................9
Space Requirements..........................................................................................................9
Electrical Requirements...................................................................................................10
Environmental Requirements...........................................................................................11
Blotter Images with Feature Locations.............................................................................12
Start Up............................................................................................................................14
Shut Down........................................................................................................................14
Section 3 .....................................................................................................................15
Pre-Programmed Transfer Methods..........................................................................15
Fast Blotting: Constant Amps/Surface Area..............................................................................15
Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer....................................................................................................17
Traditional Semi-Dry Transfer Method.......................................................................................20
Section 4 .....................................................................................................................23
Custom Methods ........................................................................................................23
Modifying Pre-Programmed Methods........................................................................................23
Creating a New Custom Method................................................................................................25
Recommended Maximum Watts/Hour Limit..............................................................................27
Section 5 .....................................................................................................................28
Maintenance................................................................................................................28
Cleaning the Blotter LCD Touchscreen .....................................................................................28
Cleaning the Blotter Housing and the Cassette.........................................................................28
Cleaning the Anode and Cathode Plates...................................................................................29
Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................30

Thermo Scientific / Thermo ScientificPierce G2 Fast Blotter |5
1
Overview
The Thermo Scientific™ Pierce™ G2 Fast Blotter is designed for rapid semi-dry transfer of
proteins frompolyacrylamide gels to nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes. Traditional Western
blotting techniques require atransfer ofone hour to overnight to achieve good transfer
efficiency. Whenused inconjunction with Thermo Scientific™ Pierce™ 1-Step Transfer Buffer,
the Pierce G2 Fast Blotter is designed to provide transfer efficiency in 5-10 minutes that is
equivalent to, or better than, traditional blotting techniques without the need for gel pre-
equilibration. This significant reduction inprotein transfer time is accomplished by optimizing the
ionic strength of the transfer buffer and increasing the current [amps (A)/cm2] flowing through
the transfer stack. The system has been verified to work withcommonly used pre-cast and
homemade SDS-PAGE gels. The PierceG2 Fast Blotter can alsobe used forstandard semi-
dry transfer protocols with Towbin buffer.
Contacting Thermo Fisher Scientific
For technical or service assistance on the Pierce G2 Fast Blotter:
• U.S. Customers: 1-800-874-3723
Fax: [phone]
• International Customers: 1-815-968-0747
Fax: [phone]
SECTION 1

Section 1|Overview
6|/ ThermoScientific Pierce G2 Fast Blotter Thermo Scientific
Technical Support email for U.S. and international customers outside Europe:
[e-mail]
Technical Support email for European customers:
[e-mail]
For more information about the Thermo Scientific ProteinBiology product line,
please visit thermoscientific.com/pierce

Overview |Section 1
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Instrument Overview
Unpacking and Setup Instructions
Unpack your new Pierce G2 Fast Blotter Control Unit and/or Cassette.
Verify that allof the accessories listed below are includedwith your blotter package. Please
note that the control unit and the cassette can be purchased separately or combined.
Your blotterpurchase includes the following accessories (each quantity1):
Included Accessories (Control unit)
Pierce G2 Fast Blotter ControlUnit
Quick Start Guide
Blot Roller
Power Cord with C13 Connector
Included Accessories (Cassette)
Pierce G2 Fast Blotter Cassette
User Interface
The user interface consists ofa color LCDmenu touchscreen on the top of the control unit.
From the Main Menu, five selections are available. Touching the lower right Down arrow allows
you to see the last two methods and the Setup button.

Section 1|Overview
8|/ ThermoScientific Pierce G2 Fast Blotter Thermo Scientific
1. Pre-Programmed Methods This feature allows you toquickly access the recommended
amperage, voltage and time for the size and number of gels that you intend to
simultaneously transfer. The blotter is only intended for usewith the following
consumables:
•Pierce 1-Step Transfer Buffer
•Bio-Rad™ Trans-Blot™ Turbo™ Transfer Stacks
•Towbin Transfer Buffer for Standard Semi-Dry Transfer (only)
2. Recent Methods Access to recently run methods listed from most to least recent.
3. Custom Methods Create, run and save a custom transfer method.
4. Setup Control audio settings, view software and hardware versions, and install software
updates to the user interface.
5. Shutdown Safely shuts down the device.

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2
Instrument
Installation Guidelines
IMPORTANT Review and implement guidelines for proper set-up before installation. Locate
the imager awayfrom water, solvents, corrosive materials,strong magnetic fields and vibration
sources.
Space Requirements
The blotter requires a stable laboratory bench or table. Provide a minimum clearance of
3 inches (7.62cm)at the rear of the blotter toallow for adequate ventilation for cooling and
access to the power cord andswitch. In addition, allowsufficient space at the front of the blotter
for docking and removing thecassette with/from the control unit.
Table 2.1. Control unit dimensions.
Dimensions
Inches
Centimeters
Width
6.44
16.4
Depth
10.88
27.6
Height
6.06
15.40
Table 2.2. Cassette dimensions.
Dimensions
Inches
Centimeters
Width
10.13
25.7
Depth
10.94
27.8
Height
1.38
3.5
SECTION 2

Section 2|Instrument
10 |/ Thermo Scientific Pierce G2 Fast Blotter Thermo Scientific
Electrical Requirements
Note A grounded circuit capable of delivering the appropriate current and voltage is required
for installation. Electrical requirements can be located on the rear panel of the blotter. The
blotter electrical system will adjust to the proper voltage for the respective country. Connect the
power cord to the rear left side panel of the device and plug into a grounded power outlet.
WARNING After running at high current, the anode and cathode plates can become hot.Use
caution when separating the gels and stacks from the plates.When continuously processing
multiple samples at ~5A for a maximum of 2 hours, allow the cassette tocool for 30minutes or
use multiple cassettes to avoid excessive cassette heating.
WARNING Blotter use outside of the workflows described in thismanual may put the operator
at risk of dangerous exposureto electrical shock. Do not use this instrument for any purposes
or in any configurations not described in thismanual.
WARNING The blotter control unit can contain dangerous electricity and is not designed to be
opened by theuser. Disconnect all power to the control unit before maintenance by a qualified
technician.
WARNING Do not overfill thecassette withliquid. Excess liquid can overflow into the control
unit and possibly cause electric shock. Follow the appropriate instructions for reagent amounts
and empty any remaining liquid in the cassetteupon run completion.
Table 2.3. Blotter electrical ratings.
Electrical Parameter Rating
Supply Voltage (VAC)
120-240
Frequency (Hz)
50-60
Power Rating (W)
120
Fuse (power center)
T4AL,250V, 4A