UVP Minidizer HB-500 Manual

81-0169-02 Rev F
HB-500 Minidizer
Hybridization Oven
Instruction Guide
______________________________________________________________________________
UVP, LLC
2066 W. 11th Street, Upland, CA 91786
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web Site: www.uvp.com
Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.
Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate
Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................3
Hybridization Oven Specifications .............................................................................................................................4
Installation ....................................................................................................................................................................5
Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................6
Service Procedures......................................................................................................................................................7
Hybridization Techniques .........................................................................................................................................10

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 3
Introduction
The HB-500 Minidizer™ Hybridization Oven is a cost-effective, personal desktop hybridization oven with a capacity of
four 35x150mm bottles, eight 50ml or 15ml conical plastic tubes. The Minidizer operates with a state-of-the-art
microprocessor as well as temperature and variable speed controls. The HB-500 Minidizer enables consistent
saturation of samples, whether it for washing or hybridizing. The bottle carousel rotates at a uniform speed of 12
RPM.
A touch-sensitive keypad and microprocessor provide accurate temperature control from ambient +10°C to 78°C. The
keypad is located below a large LCD readout. Once the desired hybridization temperature is entered, the readout
displays the current temperature inside the chamber. The chamber environment is calibrated at 78°C; at this
temperature, the microprocessor accuracy is ±0.1°C. The uniformity of the chamber at 68°C is ±0.5°C; at 55°C is
±0.5°C; and at 42°C is ±0.5°C.
WARNING!
There may be build up of pressure within the hybridization bottles when they are taken from ambient to hybridization
temperature. To help in relieving some of this pressure, preheat the solutions and bottles. Also, ensure that bottles
are opened at the same temperature as the hybridization process. Do not allow the bottles to cool before opening.
To assure hybridization bottles remain leak proof and pressure proof, prevent temperatures above 70°C. If
temperatures above this are used without first relieving the pressure within the bottle, there is a risk that bottles will
leak and/or break due to internal pressure build up.
If the bottles are accidentally taken above 70°C without relieving the pressure, DO NOT open the hybridizer door.
Turn off the hybridizer and allow it to cool before opening the door and checking the contents of the oven. Should the
bottles be used above 70°C, relieve the pressure by unscrewing and re-tightening the cap.
If using radioactive material see the “Decontamination” section of this manual under “Service Procedures”.

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 4
Hybridization Oven Specifications
HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven
Part Number Volts/Hz
95-0330-01 115V/60Hz
95-0330-02 230V/50Hz
95-0330-03 100V/50Hz
Specifications
Net Weight: 11.3 lbs (5 kg)
Temperature: Ambient +10°C to 80°C
Heating Element: 500 watts
Temperature Display: LCD
Rotation Speed: 12 RPM
Bottle Capacity: Four (4) 35x150mm, Eight (8) 50ml, or Eight (8) 15ml
Dimensions: 9”W x 13”H x 8”D (229 x 330 x 203mm)

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 5
Installing the bottles and tubes
Installing the carousel
Installation
The Minidizer Hybridization Oven has capacity for four 35x150mm bottles and eight 50ml or 15ml conical
plastic tubes. Combinations of multiple-sized bottles may be used at the same time.
•To insert bottles or tubes into the carousel, gently
press them into the clips.
•To insert bottle holder, begin by placing the large end
of the bottle holder into the slotted holder on the right
wall. Twist until the shaft locks into place, then slide
the rod end into the black holder on the left wall.
Compress the spring-loaded locking pins and rotate
until aligned with the spindle on the right wall.
NOTE: ALWAYS USE AN EVEN NUMBER OF BOTTLES
AND LOAD BOTTLES OPPOSITE EACH OTHER TO
BALANCE THE BOTTLE HOLDER. THIS PREVENTS
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BEARINGS AND DRIVE
MOTOR.

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 6
Temperature
Display: Press the
up and down
arrows to set the
temperature
Power: Press the
power switch to
the “I” position
operate the
temperature
Motor: Press the
power switch to
the “I” position
rotate the carousel
Operation
Caution: This equipment is not intended for interconnection with any other devices. Use of this equipment other than
as intended may create a safety hazard and/or malfunction.
Using the Hybridization Oven
•Place the unit on a level working surface and provide adequate room in front of the door to allow
easy opening.
•Plug the female end of the power cord into the back of the unit and the male end into a surge-
protected outlet.
•To turn on the main power supply, press the Power switch toward “ON” on the right side of the
control panel.
•To turn on the motor control to rotate the carousel, press the motor control power switch to the
“ON” position.
On-Site Temperature Calibration
Controls
When the power is turned on, the
software revision number flashes for
several seconds. The display will then
show internal surface temperature (not
air temperature) for a few seconds. The
display will then revert to the factory
preset temperature of 30°C.
Altering the Temperature
Setpoint
The current setpoint value can be altered
using the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons
while the setpoint is being displayed. To
change the setpoint from normal mode,
proceed as follows:
•Press then release either the “UP” or the “DOWN”
button. The LCD will flash to indicate that the displayed
value is the current setpoint. If either button is held down
for more than several seconds, setpoint value will increase or decrease incrementally.
•When the desired setpoint is reached, wait approximately five seconds without pressing either
button; the display will revert to normal mode showing the actual temperature. The new setpoint
becomes effective. When the unit is turned off and turned on again, the last used setpoint will be
displayed.
•Allow sufficient time for warm-up prior to hybridization procedures.
Temperature Calibration
The hybridization oven is calibrated at the UVP factory. UVP recommends temperature recalibration be
performed at the UVP factory as recalibration by the user may void the warranty. To return the unit to UVP,
first obtain a RGA (Returned Goods Authorization) number from UVP.
Call UVP’s customer service department in Upland, California at [phone] or [phone] or
Cambridge, UK at [phone] to obtain an RGA number or to inquire about temperature calibration.

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 7
Service Procedures
Care and Cleaning
NOTE: ALWAYS UNPLUG THE UNIT FROM THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY BEFORE CLEANING OR
DRYING THE UNIT!
The units are built to provide trouble-free operation for the life of the system. To ensure correct operation:
•Wipe any water from inside and outside the unit with a soft cloth or sponge.
•Use soap and water with a soft cloth or sponge to clean the unit.
•Do not allow chemicals to remain on unit surfaces.
•Never clean unit with abrasive pads or cleaners.
•Never clean unit with acetone or chloroform.
•Clean the UV sensor regularly with alcohol and a soft cloth.
Bottle Care
UVP’s hybridization bottles are made of thick walled borosilicate glass which helps protect users from
radiation and has excellent long-term reliability.
•It is important to check the bottles regularly for chips, stress fractures and cracks. If this occurs, the
bottle must be replaced.
•Ensure bottles are stored either in a suitable rack or with caps replaced in between experiments.
This will protect the bottle and sealing area.
•Replace O-rings/PTFE seals when worn or leaky; replace O-rings or PTFE seals every six months.
•Wear protective gloves to protect your hands in the event of an accidental breakage.
•Never over tighten caps on the bottles. Hand tightening is sufficient.
•If the cap is difficult to unscrew, NEVER ATTEMPT to force the bottle cap open. Allow the bottle to
cool and retry. If the cap remains stuck, discard the bottle.
•The bottles should not be used at temperatures above 70°C.
Decontamination
Bottles and Caps*
•Soak items in a diluted detergent solution overnight.
•Remove from detergent and rinse items with distilled water.
•If items are still contaminated, gently scrub with an abrasive cloth or brush. If necessary,
continue to soak items in the detergent solution for a longer period of time.
Oven Chamber*
•The oven chamber and drip tray may be decontaminated by wiping clean with a
decontaminating agent, then repeating with distilled water.
*NOTE: These decontamination methods may not remove all contaminants. Refer to Federal, State and
local guidelines and biological protocols to ensure decontamination.

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 8
NOTE: If any unit requires service, a Returned Goods Authorization number (RGA) must be obtained from
UVP’s Customer Service department prior to returning any item to UVP. If radioactive or biological
hazardous materials have been present within the unit, radioactive decontamination and biological cleanup
as per current Federal, State, and local guidelines and biological protocols must be performed BEFORE
returning the unit.
Replacement Parts and Accessories
Replacement parts lists are provided below for the HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven. Repairs or
replacement other than specified in the following procedures shall be done only by authorized service
personnel.
PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
76-0070-02 Bottle Carousel Holder 1 Required
63-0024-02 Carousel Shaft Assembly 1 Required
60-0088-01 Carousel Pillow Block 1 Required
46-0024-02 Motor Drive Coupler Assembly 1 Required
56-0022-01 Fuse, 3AMP/250V 5x20mm 2 Required
88-0004-01 Bottle Cap and O-Ring/ PTFE Seal
07-0194-01 Borosilicate glass bottle with polypropylene
cap and PTFE seal, 35 x 150 mm
58-0085-01 Power Cord (115V)
58-0085-03 Power Cord (230V)
Technical Support
UVP offers expert technical support on all UVP products. If there are any questions about product use,
operation or repair, contact UVP’s offices at the locations below.
NOTE:A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP’s Customer Service
prior to returning any product.
If you are in North America, South America,
East Asia or Australia:
If you are in Europe, Africa, the Middle East or
Western Asia:
Call [phone] or [phone], and ask
for Technical Support during regular business
days, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, PST.
Call [phone], and ask for Customer
Service during regular business days between 9:00
am and 5:30 pm.
E-mail your message to: [e-mail] or
[e-mail] E-mail your message to: [email protected]k
Fax Technical Support at [phone] Fax Customer Service at
[phone]
Write to: UVP, LLC. 2066 W. 11th Street, Upland,
CA 91786 USA
Write to: Ultra-Violet Products Ltd. Unit 1, Trinity Hall
Farm Estate, Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK
Warranty
UVP’s quality hybridization ovens are guaranteed to be free of defects in materials, workmanship and
manufacture for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Consumable and disposable parts including, but not
limited to bottles, tubes and filters, are guaranteed to be free from defects in manufacture and materials for
ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. If equipment failure or malfunction occurs during the warranty
period, UVP shall examine the inoperative equipment and have the option of repairing or replacing any part(s)

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 9
which, in the judgment of UVP, were originally defective or became so under conditions of normal usage and
service.
No warranty shall apply to any instrument, or part thereof, that has been subject to accident, negligence,
alteration, abuse or misuse by the end user. Moreover, UVP makes no warranties whatsoever with respect to
parts not supplied by UVP or that have been installed, used and/or serviced other than in strict compliance with
the instructions appearing in the operational manual supplied to the end user.
In no event shall UVP be responsible to the end user for any incidental or consequential damages, whether
foreseeable or not, including but not limited to property damage, inability to use equipment, lost business, lost
profits or inconvenience arising out of or connected with the use of instruments produced by UVP. Nor is UVP
liable or responsible for any personal injuries occurring as a result of the use, installation and/or servicing of
equipment. This warranty does not supersede any statutory rights that may be available in certain countries.

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 10
Hybridization Techniques
There are two main steps to a hybridization reaction: hybridizing two strands of complimentary DNA, and
detection of the hybridized DNA. Nucleic acid hybridization is a mechanism where strands of DNA in a single
stranded state have their complements bind together. The proximity of the DNA strands to each other
determines the frequency of the binding events and, in fact, successful binding is proportional to their
concentration. The concentration of the target (nucleic acid) is the independent variable in all hybridization
reactions.
Since the target concentration is usually the unknown variable, an excess of labeled probe (what is used to
find the target) will drive the reaction, thus decreasing the time for the probe to hybridize to a target. This
increases the chances of a probe bumping into a target. However, with an enormous amount of probe
around (in solution or on the surface of a membrane), the background signal will also be large. The typical
approach to correct for excess background (noise) on a membrane or slide hybridization is to wash in a low
salt buffer as this favors the disassociation of unbound probe from the membrane/slide and non-
complementary DNA. In solutions, a probe can be enzymatically degraded by using a single strand specific
nuclease.
Mechanisms of Nucleic Hybridization
Hybridization occurs in a process called nucleation
whereby the two separate nucleic acid strands come
into close proximity of each other. A duplex region is
formed where a minimum of three bases of one strand
complement to those on the second strand. If the
remainder of the strands are complementary, the two
strands will anneal or zipper together very quickly. The
rate-limiting step in nucleic acid hybridization is the
duplex formation, which again explains why probe to
target concentrations are critical.
Experimental Protocols
There are many different protocols available on the web, in journals and in text references. A number of
these are referenced at the end of this text.
1: Concentration of Species
Target: How much target molecule depends on the species one expects to find. Cellular constituents may
be expressed in large or small amounts; the key is to start with enough target (~25 µg) and determine
experimentally.
Probe: Plan to have more probe than expected
target. To answer questions about adding too
much probe, run an extinction experiment: serially
increase the amount of target by a factor of two
and use a fixed amount of probe. Hybridize for a
short length of time and quantitate the amount of
probe that has hybridized. As long as the signal
increases and shows linearity, there is excess
probe. If the signal levels off and a loss of linearity
noticed, then the probe is not in excess.
2: Length of Probe
The goal is to increase hybridization efficiency while minimizing background. In most cases, probes range
from 20 to 1000 bps.

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 11
3: Salt Concentration and Temperature
Nucleic acid requires salt (monovalent cations) to reduce the ionic effects of the phosphate backbone, and
heat as a form of non-denaturing kinetic energy. Because the salt concentration and temperature affect each
other, knowing the thermostability of the hybrid probe is helpful. Hybridization rates vary directly with the
sodium ion concentration between 0.03 and 1.2 M. Most protocols run between 0.5 and 1.1 M Sodium.
Situation Response
G+C = 45-55% Follow normal protocol
G+C < 45% Lower salt and temperature
G+C > 55% Raise salt and temperature
Evidence of probe Lower salt and temperature
target mismatching
Target and probe is Hybridize in a formamide-based buffer
degraded on aqueous
solution
Unacceptable high Use less probe
background Hybridize at lower salt/higher temperature
Wash with lower salt/higher temperature
Incubate with very low salt/change nuclease (solution)
Use a smaller probe or a different probe
Clean probe of contaminants prior to use
4: Aqueous or Denaturing Hybridization Buffer
If hybridization takes place in an aqueous salt environment of 0.8 to 1.2M salt, the TM½ (the temperature at
which the half of the duplex molecules will dissociate under a given set of conditions) can be 90°C. This is
high enough to degrade DNA, RNA and some proteins. It is therefore possible to add formamide as a
denaturing / temperature lowering agent because for every percent of formamide in the reaction the TM½ is
reduced by 0.65°C. Therefore, at 80% formamide, reactions can be performed in the 40-55°C range.
However, the rate of formamide-based hybridization is at least three-fold lower than that of aqueous
hybridization requiring longer incubations.
Protocol 1: Random Priming Method for Tagging DNA with Fluorescein-
Labeled Nucleotide and Others
This method uses DNA polymerase to incorporate Fluorescene-11-dUTP into double stranded DNA probes.
This protocol can be used to incorporate any tagged nucleotides.
Equipment
•Micropipettes and tips
•Boiling water bath
•1.5mL Microcentrifuge tubes
•Microcentrifuge
•Cap lock for Microcentrifuge tube
•Water bath set to 37°C

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 12
Reagents
•Deionized, sterile water
•EDTA, 0.5 M
•Klenow DNA polymerase , 4-5 units/µL
•Nucleotide mix (300µm each of dATP, dCTP, dGTP and 60µm dTTP)
•Random nonamer (9-mer) primers, 2.5 µg/µL in water
•Reaction buffer, 10X: 50mM MgCl2, 10mM 2-Mercaptoethanol, 500 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5
•Tagged nucleotide: fluorescene-11-dUTP
•Template DNA in water (5ng/mL)
Procedure
1. Pipette 10mL of template DNA plus 10mL of water into a microcentrifuge tube and cap tightly.
Cover cap with a cap lock or bend a paper clip in half and secure over the microcentrifuge tube.
2. Place the tube into the boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
3. Immediately place tube on ice for 5 minutes.
4. Centrifuge for 15 seconds in microcentrifuge.
5. Add the reagents listed below to a fresh tube on ice in the following order:
a. 10mL Nucleotide mix
b. 5mL Tagged nucleotide
c. 5mL Reaction buffer (x10)
d. 5mL Random primers
e. 10mL Boiled DNA
f. 14mL Water
g. 1mL DNA polymerase
6. Mix gently and incubate at 37°C for 1 hour.
7. Stop the reaction by adding 2mL EDTA.
8. Store probes at -20°C in the dark.
Protocol 2: Hybridization to Nylon or Nitrocellulose
Hybridization to nylon or nitrocellulose membranes containing Nucleic Acid is accomplished by adding
single-stranded probe to the membranes that have been previously incubated with prehybridization solution.
The prehybridization and hybridization solutions both contain buffers designed to prevent adventitious
binding of the probe to the filters.
Reagents and Equipment
•Prehybridization/hybridization solution [45% formamide, 5X SSPE (0.9 M NaCl, 50mM sodium
phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 5mM EDTA), 0.1% SDS, 5X Denhardt’s solution (0.1% each of Ficoll,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, and bovine serum albumin), and 100 mg/mL of denatured salmon sperm
DNA). Mix well and remove aggregates before use.
Notes: When preparing prehybridization/hybridization solutions, add dry reagents directly to the
formamide/SSC solution. Incubate with mixing at 40-50°C for 2 hours or until dissolved. Store at
-20°C. SDS will precipitate at room temperature but remain in solution at 37°C.
•UVP Hybridization bottle(s) and caps
•15mL plastic tube

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 13
•Boiling water bath
•Bucket of ice
•Glove
•Plexiglas shield
•UVP Hybridization Oven
Procedure
1. Add 15mL of prehybridization solution to each hybridization bottle containing the blot. Remove
bubbles between the glass and blot. Cap the blots and close the Hybridizer.
2. Incubate the blot at 42°C for 1 hour.
3. Remove prehybridization solution and replace with 10mL of hybridization solution.
4. Pipette 1x106counts per minute of radio labeled probe or 200ng of biotinylated DNA into a 15-mL
plastic tube. Seal the tube with a plastic cap and poke a hole in the top with a syringe needle to
prevent pressure build-up during boiling.
5. Denature the probe by placing the samples in the boiling water bath and heating for 10 minutes.
Immediately transfer the tube to ice for 5 minutes (to prevent renaturation). Add 5mL of
hybridization buffer to the probe and transfer to the hybridization bottle containing the blot: AVOID
pouring the probe directly onto the blot.
6. Incubate in the UVP HybriCycler, Hybridizer, or Minidizer 6 to 8 hours at 42 to 56°C.
Washing the Blot
•Tupperware container (sized to contain the blot)
•0.1X SSC, 0.1% SDS (pre-warmed to 50°C)
•2X SSC, 0.1 % SDS (room temperature)
•2X SSC (room temperature)
•0.15X SSC, 0.1% SDS (pre-warmed to 50°C)
•Gloves
•Filter paper
•Cardboard
•Plastic wrap
•Tape
Non-Radioactive Probes
1. Wash blots in 2X SSC, 0.1% SDS for 3 minutes at room temperature (repeat once).
2. Wash filter in 0.15X SSC, 0.1%SDS for 15 minutes at 50°C (repeat once).
3. Store blots in 2X SSC at room temperature.
Radioactive Probes
Additionally you will need:
•X-ray film holder
•X-ray film
•Intensifying screen

HB-500 Minidizer Hybridization Oven 14
Procedure
1. Remove blot from hybridization tube and transfer to Tupperware container.
2. Rinse briefly in 50°C 0.1X SSC, 0.1% SDS.
3. Remove this solution to radioactive waste and wash.
4. Wash blot three more times in the same solution.
5. After the final wash, dry blot on filter paper for 10 minutes. This is a good time to quickly pass your
hand held radioisotope reader (beta or gamma counter) over your blot to get a general idea as to
the exposure time you will need for the X-ray film. Hot blots are 20 minutes to 2 hours. Not so hot
blots can be left overnight (8 hours).
6. Tape the blot to a cardboard backing.
7. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent the blots from sticking to the X-ray film.
8. Place the cardboard containing the blots into the X-ray film folder.
9. In the darkroom, place a piece of X-ray film over the blot(s).
10. Place an intensifying screen on top of the film.
11. Close the film folder and clamp it.
12. Store at -70°C. The low temperature reduces light scattering and increases the length of exposure
time. Expose the blot for 20 minutes to 24 hours.
References
Ross, J; Nucleic Acid Hybridization: Essential Techniques; 1998, John Wiley and Sons, ISBN 0-471-
97125-1
Sambrook, J; Molecular cloning: a Laboratory manual; 1987, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; ISBN
0-87969-309-6
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology; 1987, John Wiley and Sons; ISBN 0-471-50338-X
Minidizer is a trademark of UVP, LLC.