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4. Troubleshooting
problem
Gel or cellophane cracks
All gels
Gradient gels or gels
≥0.75 mm thick with
acrylamide ≥10% T
Fluor-treated gel
solution
Handle the gel and cellophane with care. Fully
hydrate the cellophane with distilled water just before
use and avoid stretching it during assembly.
If the cellophane is drying too quickly, instead of
hydrating it in distilled water, soak it in the same
glycerol solution used for the gel.
Always remove all air bubbles before drying.
Lower the heat setting.
Load frame assemblies into the dryer from the top
down. Avoid dripping onto a partially dried gel.
Dehydrate the gel in 35% ethanol and 2% glycerol
before drying. If gels still crack, increase the
percentage of glycerol up to 5%.
Note: With a higher percentage of glycerol, a longer
drying period is required. The gels may also be flex-
ible and feel tacky when dry.
Use cellophane instead of mylar.
Use a thinner gel (≤0.75 mm).
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p13
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