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From: PAU@nfl.afrc.ac.uk
Newsgroups: bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts
Subject: alternatives to silanizing gel plates
Message-ID: <9104110942.AA18064@genbank.bio.net>
Date: 11 Apr 91 10:26:00 GMT
Sender: daemon@genbank.bio.net
Lines: 17


>     We have found that repeated silanization of glass plates used for DNA
> sequencing gels eventually leads to problems in pouring the gel.. we can
> correct this by overnight soaking in 10-20% NaOH.. we would
> prefer to decrease our exposure to silane.. We'd appreciate any
> suggested alternatives to silanization that could be used on a daily basis.

We have been using 'RAIN-X' a product for car windscreens ("the invisible
windscreen wiper") very successfully for  silanizing plates. It does not
appear to have exposure problems, and does not need to be used every time,
-we only use it every three or more runs. It is available in the US from
the motor accessories sections of supermarkets (eg Kmart) and in the UK -
at much greater expense from mail order suppliers. Is it possible that
your alkali treatment of glass is etching the plates - would acid treatment
(5-10% HCl) not be better? We very rarely need to treat plates with acid.

Richard Pau - PAU@UK.AC.AFRC.NFL