ThermoFisher Scientific Micro SSP Gel User manual

TDX-OLI-DMR-PS-0619 Rev. 02
User Manual
Micro SSP™ Gel System
Catalog #: MGS108

One Lambda, Inc. | A Thermo Fisher Scientific Brand Micro SSP Gel System User Manual
TDX-OLI-DMR-PS-0619, Rev 02 ii
MDSS GmbH
Schiffgraben 41, 30175
Hannover, Germany
© 2017 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified.
Specifications, terms and pricing are subject to change. Not all products are available in all countries. Please consult your local sales representative for details.

One Lambda, Inc. | A Thermo Fisher Scientific Brand Micro SSP Gel System User Manual
TDX-OLI-DMR-PS-0619, Rev 02 iii
Table of Contents
Features and Benefits ....................................................................................................................................2
Components of the Micro SSP Gel System.....................................................................................................2
Symbols.........................................................................................................................................................3
Micro SSP Gel System Preparation................................................................................................................5
Electrophoresis Procedure .............................................................................................................................8
Cleaning and Safety Precautions..................................................................................................................11
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................11
Gel Box Cleaning Precautions ..................................................................................................................11
Power Rating............................................................................................................................................11
Electrical Safety Precautions ....................................................................................................................12
Chemical Safety Precautions....................................................................................................................12
Environmental Range...................................................................................................................................12
Recommended Power Supply Specifications................................................................................................12
Replacement Parts.......................................................................................................................................13
Additional Accessories (Optional).................................................................................................................13
Trouble Shooting..........................................................................................................................................14
Technical Support ........................................................................................................................................19

One Lambda, Inc. | A Thermo Fisher Scientific Brand Micro SSP Gel System User Manual
TDX-OLI-DMR-PS-0619 Rev. 02 2
Features and Benefits
The Micro SSP Gel System is a simple, efficient, and compact gel box for electrophoresis. The system
features:
A 96-well microplate format, plus an additional lane (total of 108 sample wells)
Same footprint as a standard 96-well microtiter plate
Low reagent volume requirement
Approximately 3-minute run time
A leveling bubble and adjustable leveling knobs
An easy-to-handle comb assembly
Pre-labeled fluorescent well positions
UV-transparent Gel Box to facilitate photography
Components of the Micro SSP Gel System
Item
Quantity
Description
Catalog #
12 Well Combs MGSWC9-3
(Set of three)
2Electrode Combs MGSEC9-2
(Set of two)
1Base MGS-XB

One Lambda, Inc. | A Thermo Fisher Scientific Brand Micro SSP Gel System User Manual
TDX-OLI-DMR-PS-0619 Rev. 02 3
Item
Quantit
y
Description
Catalog #
1Gel Box MGS-XGB9
1Gel Comb Holder MGSCH9
1Gel Box Cover MGS-XC
Symbols
!
CAUTION.
Refer to safety information in accompanying
documents.
If the Micro SSP Gel System equipment is used
in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may
be impaired.
Biological Risk

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Class II Equipment
Direct Current (DC) Voltage
Manufacturer
Serial Number
Read Usage Instructions
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Important concept for understanding and/or
clarification.

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Micro SSP Gel System Preparation
!
CAUTION: Do not bring the Gel System into lab areas where Pre-PCR is done.
Always wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) while handling agarose gel.
Important: Refer to Cleaning and Safety Precautions section prior to using the
product. The Gel System should be used by trained professionals.
1. Prior to first use, visually inspect system for any cracks or damage that may have occurred during
transport.
2. Pour water into the Gel Box, as you would with buffer, and look for any evidence of leakage. Empty
and dry the Gel Box.
!
CAUTION: Discard and replace Gel Box if there is any evidence of gel/buffer
leakage observed.
3. Slide the locking pin on the Base to the open position (figure 1).
Figure 1: Locking pin
4. Install the Gel Box onto the Base by aligning the red-colored sides of the Base and Gel Box. Guide
the Base’s two metal dowel pins, located on the red-colored holder of the Base (figure 2), into the
corresponding dowel holes of the Gel Box (figure 3).
Figure 2: Two Metal Dowel Pins of Red-Colored
Holder on the Base

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Figure 3: Dowel Holes of the Gel Box
5. Lock the Gel Box onto the Base by sliding the locking pin into the single dowel hole located on the
black end of the Gel Box. Once in the locked position and tighten the thumb screw snug. Ensure that
the Gel Box is fastened securely to the Base.
6. Adjust the height of the three legs on the Base to center the leveling bubble; this assures a level
surface (figure 4). The adjustment thumbscrews should not be disturbed after it has been leveled.
Figure 4: Leveling bubble
7. Orient and fully insert all 14 Gel Combs (2 Electrode Combs and 12 Well Combs) into the Gel Comb
Holder (figure 5), this assures the proper alignment of all the Gel Combs and agarose wells during
the gel formation process. If your application does not require 12 rows of wells, you may insert fewer
than 12 well combs, as desired. However, you must always insert the two Electrode Combs in their
respective positions at the ends of the Gel Comb Holder.
Figure 5: Inserting Gel Combs into Gel Comb Holder

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8. Orient to cast an agarose gel, refer to the applicable kit product insert to determine concentration and
volume of agarose. Only use consumables within their expiration date. Pour the prepared agarose
gel into the Gel Box, making sure the agarose covers the entire surface evenly (figure 6).
Important: The agarose must be at a sufficient temperature to ensure that you can pour
a gel with an even thickness over the entire surface of the Gel Box.
Ensure that the agarose covers the entire surface evenly. This may be done by tilting the
Gel Box and Base back and forth to let the agarose fill the Gel Box evenly.
!
CAUTION: Appropriate PPE must be used per OEM instructions.
Figure 6: Dispensing agarose into Gel Box
9. Quickly place the Gel Comb Holder on the filled Gel Box, aligning the color-coded sides (figure 7).
Allow agarose gel to set per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Important: Be sure that all the Gel Combs are fully inserted and the leveling bubble is
level before letting the agarose set.
Figure 7: Placing Gel Comb Holder onto filled Gel Box

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10. Once set, remove the Gel Combs by lifting the Gel Comb Holder straight up while holding the Base
(figure 8).
Important: Waiting too long to remove the Gel Combs can risk damaging the gel.
Figure 8: Removing Gel Combs
Electrophoresis Procedure
1. Refer to the product insert of the kit being used and add the appropriate electrophoresis buffer (1x
Tris Borate EDTA) to fill every well in the gel (figure 9). Only use consumables within their expiration
date. The gel is ready for sample loading.
Important: Amplified DNA samples should be loaded immediately after buffer is poured.
Ensure all wells are filled and the gel is evenly covered with buffer.
The Gel System should be used by trained professional.
!
CAUTION: Discard and replace Gel Box when there is any evidence of gel/buffer leakage
observed.
Do not add a greater volume of electrophoresis buffer than stated in kit product insert.
Figure 9: Adding buffer to the wells
2. A standard multichannel pipette or 96 well Transfer Device is recommended for loading samples
(Refer to ‘Additional Accessories-Optional’ section for Transfer Device available for purchase from
One Lambda, Inc.). Make sure all pipette tips are firmly attached and are aligned (Non-autoclaved
tips work best). Load DNA samples into the wells (A through H) (figure 10).

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Important: Do not puncture the gel during sample loading. Use a multi-channel pipette
and/or an 8-shooter alignment plate for increased repeatability during sample loading.
Figure 10: Loading DNA samples into the wells
3. Connect a standard power supply in good conditions, meets local regulations, and adheres to
provided specifications (referred to moving forward as “power supply”) to a mains power outlet. Turn
on the power supply and set the voltage according to kit product insert. Turn off the power supply.
4. While aligning the color-corded sides, place Cover onto the Gel box such that the bottom of the
Cover rests on the Base (figure 11). The proper position is highlighted in figure 12.
Important: Be sure that both platinum electrodes are free of deposits; deposits on the
electrodes can block the current flow.
When placing the Cover on the Gel Box, listen for the click/activation of the safety
interlock switch.
Make sure the Gel Box and Base are level prior to use.
Figure 11 & 12: Placing gel box cover on the Gel Box
5. Secure the Cover by supporting the Base and tightening each of the Cover fasteners (figures 13 and
14).

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Figure 13 & 14: Securing Cover fasteners to Base
6. Connect the red electrical lead to the voltage output plug and the black electrical lead to the black
common ground plug of the power supply.
7. Turn on the power supply and run according to the kit product insert until the red dye bands have
migrated approximately 0.5 centimeter across the gel or for a desired length of time for other
applications.
!
CAUTION: Be attentive of any evidence of leakage from the system. If any leakage is
detected, immediately turn off the power supply.
Do not move Gel System while running test.
8. Turn off the power supply, loosen the Cover fasteners, and remove Cover from the Gel Box and
Base. The red and black leads may be disconnected from the power supply. Record and analyze
the gel according to kit product insert.
Important: The UV transparent Gel Box may be transferred directly to a transilluminator
for photo-documentation (figure 11).
!
CAUTION: Wear appropriate Eye Safety Glasses and other PPE when performing UV
photography.
Figure 15: Photographing Gel Box
9. Remove the gel from the Gel Box. Clean the Gel Box and ensure no residue remains.

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!
CAUTION: Follow guidelines prescribed in the Cleaning and Safety Precautions sections.
Always wear PPE while handling Agarose Gel.
Cleaning and Safety Precautions
Cleaning
To clean the Well Combs, Electrode Combs, Base, Gel Box, and Gel Comb Holder, wash with
plenty of nonabrasive soap or detergent and water. A soft, grit-free cloth, cotton terry cloth or
towel, or sponge may be used to carefully wipe the components. Do not use hard, rough cloths
that may scratch the surface of the product. Dry with a clean damp cloth or towel.
To clean the Cover, lightly dust (do not rub) the surfaces with a soft, clean cloth. Then, carefully
wipe the surfaces with a soft, wet cotton terry cloth or towel. The cloth or towel should be kept
free of grit by frequent rinsing in clean water.
!
CAUTION: Turn off the power supply and disconnect both electrical leads before
handling the electrodes.
Do not submerge the Cover in water.
Gel Box Cleaning Precautions
Do not use solvents such as acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, lighter fluid, dry cleaning
fluid, and lacquer thinners, because they attack the surfaces.
Do not use window sprays or kitchen scouring compounds.
Power Rating
The Micro SSP Gel System is designed to operate at a maximum power rating of 18W (150vDC @ 120
mA).

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Electrical Safety Precautions
Refer to the power supply manual before use.
Protect the Micro SSP Gel System and power supply from electronic surges by connecting your
power supply to a surge protector.
Place the power supply close to the Cover with which it is to be connected. Be sure to place the
power supply in a safe, dry location with all the controls accessible.
First connect the power supply to the mains outlet. Turn on the power supply and set the voltage
according to kit product insert. Turn off the power supply and connect the red lead to the voltage
output and the black lead to the common/ground of the power supply.
Place Cover onto Gel System as described in instructions.
Be attentive of any evidence of leakage from the Gel System. If any leakage is detected,
immediately turn off Power Supply.
Once finished, remove the Cover, turn off power supply, return voltage setting to zero, and
disconnect leads from the power supply.
!
CAUTION: Do not expose the Micro SSP Gel System to open flames.
Chemical Safety Precautions
Read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all of the chemicals that will contact the Gel System, refer
to product inserts for kits used.
Always wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.
Handle the Gel System components with caution after they have contacted hazardous chemicals.
Environmental Range
Indoor Use
Operational Temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F)
Operational Relative Humidity: 40-70%
Storage and Intermittent Use: System is clean and is stored within the temperature range of 5-40°C (41-
104°F)
Transportation: Ship at ambient temperature only
Recommended Power Supply Specifications
Complies with local regulations, 18W per number of Gel Systems being run concurrently, 150vDC output,
well maintained according to manufacturer’s recommendation.

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Replacement Parts
!
CAUTION: Do not attempt to repair any component of the Micro SSP Gel System. All
servicing must be done by One Lambda, A Thermo Fisher Scientific Brand. For service
requests, contact Technical Support.
Only to be supplied by One Lambda, A Thermo Fisher Scientific Brand. Components must be disposed of in
accordance with WEEE Directive.
Description Cat. No.
Gel Base MGS-XB
Electrophoresis Cover MGS-XC
Gel Comb Holder MGSCH9
Electrode Combs, 2 pack MGSEC9-2
Gel Box MGS-XGB9
Well Combs, 3-pack MGSWC9-3
Additional Accessories (Optional)
Description Cat. No.
Transfer Device TRNDV96
Alignment Plate TRNDVAP
Transfer Device Combo Pack TRNDCOMBO

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Trouble Shooting
These troubleshooting tips cover only electrophoresis-related problems using the Micro SSP Gel System.
Problems related to signal intensity and quality could also be caused by sample quality/quantity, pre-
PCR or other sample manipulations, or photography. Please refer to the appropriate product manuals or
contact your One Lambda representative if problems persist.
Problem
Possible Cause
Remedy
No current or no movement of
the dye front
Power is not on Turn on power supply. Check for
formation of bubbles at the
electrode.
Power supply is not properly
adjusted
Check gel and buffer levels.
The safety switch in the Cover is
not engaged
Place the Cover down firmly by
pressing it down until a click can
be heard (this turns on the safety
switch).
Check for proper operation of the
safety switch. The metal screw
in the base unit must be present
and correctly adjusted to activate
the safety switch.
Not enough buffer Make sure there is enough buffer to
fill all wells in the gel.
Dirty electrodes
!
Turn off the power supply and
disconnect both electrical leads
before handling the electrodes.
Make sure the platinum
electrodes are free of salt
deposits, dust, or grease. Gently
wipe clean with disposable wipes
and distilled water and DO NOT
attempt to remove electrodes.
Breakage in electrical wiring Check for broken or loose parts in
the electrical leads and the electrode
assembly. If found, DO NOT attempt
to correct, contact your One Lambda
representative immediately.

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Problem
Possible Cause
Remedy
No bands Incorrect concentration or quality
of agarose
Use the same batch of buffer for
both gel and gel running buffer.
Incorrect running buffer Use the same batch of buffer for
both gel and gel running buffer.
Old reagents Prepare fresh batch of
reagent, and protect it from
light
Prepare only enough fresh
agarose solution for 1-2 days
worth of work.
Not enough fluorescence
!
Wear appropriate PPE when
performing UV Photography.
Use a short-wave UV light
source. Make sure all UV
light bulbs are functioning
properly.
Not enough Ethidium Bromide in
a gel or running buffer
Use fresh buffer.
Incorrect camera settings Use a proper lens filter for
photographing Ethidium-
stained nucleic acid.
Use proper shutter speed,
aperture, focus, and films.
Refer to photography
equipment manuals for guidance.

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Problem
Possible Cause
Remedy
Faint bands
(Also, see the “No bands” section
for other possible solutions.)
Not enough Ethidium Bromide in
a gel or running buffer
Use fresh buffer.
Sample lost during
electrophoresis due to a thin gel
Refer to manufacturer
specification.
Sample lost during
electrophoresis due to a gel with
uneven thickness.
Lock the Gel Box in its position
on the Base unit, and level the
unit immediately before casting a
gel. Check the leveling bubble
after inserting the Combs.
Not enough running buffer Make sure each sample well and
electrode well is filled with
running buffer before loading
samples.
Not enough samples loaded Load all PCR samples to each
well.
Sample lost during loading A mechanical pipetting device
such as Gilson P20 or a
multichannel (8 or 12 channel)
pipette of appropriate volume
capacity (50 µl) or Transfer
Device (e.g. Catalog ID:
TRNDV96) is recommended.
Make sure all pipette tips are
aligned and are firmly attached
by turning and pushing tips
against a nozzle one by one
Bands diffused After electrophoresis is complete,
photography or image capturing
should be done as soon as
possible.
Not enough fluorescence due to
a broken UV light bulb in the
trans-illuminator.
!
Wear appropriate PPE when
performing UV Photography.
Check and, if necessary, replace
UV light bulb(s) according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

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Problem
Possible Cause
Remedy
Faint bands in the 12th row,
which is the row nearest the
red-colored anode side of the
box. (See also the “Faint bands”
section for other possible
solutions.)
Not enough agarose Refer to manufacturer
specification.
Not enough running buffer. Use 10 ml running buffer.
Sample lost during
electrophoresis due to a thin gel
or a gel with an uneven thickness
Refer to manufacturer
specification. Lock the gel box in
its position on the base unit, and
level the unit immediately before
casting a gel. Check the leveling
bubble after inserting the Combs.
Do not move while gel is setting.
Sample lost due to overrunning a
gel.
Stop electrophoresis after the
dye has migrated 0.5 cm. into the
gel.
UV light bulb in the trans-
illuminator is out of order or
weak.
Check and, if necessary, replace
UV light bulb(s) according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Wavy bands/other faulty
appearing bands
Deformation of sample wells due
to over drying
Use a gel within 15 minutes after
solidified or keep gel immersed in
a running buffer.
Malformation of sample wells Allow a gel to set per
manufacturer’s specification.
Make sure all Combs are
fully inserted into the Comb
Holder.
The Gel Box is not level during
electrophoresis
Level the Gel Box.
Non-uniform current flow.
!
Turn off the power supply
and disconnect both electrical
leads before handling the
electrodes.
Make sure the platinum
electrodes are free of salt
deposits, dust, or grease.
Gently wipe clean with
disposable wipes and
distilled water and DO NOT
attempt to remove
electrodes.
Make sure there is enough fresh
buffer to fill all wells in the gel.

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Problem
Pos
sible Cause
Remedy
Air bubbles in a gel Remove air bubbles by
aspiration using a pipette or
other appropriate device
immediately after a gel is
poured.
If agarose solution was
mixed by shaking, let it settle
and do not aspirate air
bubbles.
Dust particles in a gel Clean the Gel Box before pouring
a gel. Remove all dust, salt
deposit, or dried gel fragments.
Dirty combs Clean the Combs regularly.
Visually examine Combs before
each use.
Broken combs Check all Comb teeth for
chipping and other breakage.
Replace as required.
Undissolved agarose Make sure agarose is completely
melted.
Gel ran too fast Do not exceed recommended
voltage.
Evaporation of running buffer Use a gel as soon as possible
after running buffer has been
added.
Agarose hardens while gel is
being poured
Agarose too cold
!
Handle hot agarose very
carefully. Use personal
protective equipment. Pour hot
agarose after bubbling has
stopped.
Pour agarose while it is hot.
It is usually easier to pour
agarose first into the Gel
Box, slightly tilt the base unit
(with the Gel Box locked in
its place) until agarose fills
the bottom of Gel Box
completely, and then place
the Gel Comb Holder
assembly (rather than
pouring agarose into the Gel
Box with Combs inserted).
Always check the leveling
bubble to see if the unit is
level.