Difference between vertical and horizontal gel Electrophoresis Systems

 

A gel electrophoresis is an effective system that runs important DNA and RNA samples. We would like to explain the difference between horizontal and vertical electrophoresis systems. Both systems follow a similar theory of gel electrophoresis; However, there are some key differences between them.

During the study of protein and nucleic acid, the requirement of running a sample through a vertical gel electrophoresis system or a horizontal gel electrophoresis system is what makes this equipment so important. The running of the samples for separating your protein, DNA, and RNA of interest from a mixture is one of the most effective methods. As a result, this method is used in most of the mining and food sciences applications, and life science.

How Does a Gel Electrophoresis Work?

The requirement of separating the nucleic acid or proteins interest this very method is called gel electrophoresis.  The samples are run through a gel apparatus that has a cathode on one end, an anode on the other, and a platform that holds a porous gel matrix in the middle. When an electric current is applied, the proper buffer is added to produce a charge gradient. Additionally, the buffer aids in keeping the gel cold and stops it from overheating because the gel can become hot when a charge is applied.

Understand the Differences between Horizontal vs. Vertical Electrophoresis

There are essentially two different forms of gel electrophoresis that you can utilize for your application: horizontal gel electrophoresis and vertical gel electrophoresis. While all techniques adhere to the same gel electrophoresis theory, there are several significant variances between them. When should you choose one of these systems over the other? How do they differ? Let’s find out

Orientation and Buffer System

Their direction is one of the main distinctions between the two systems. As opposed to vertical gel electrophoresis, where the gel matrix is vertically oriented and immersed in a discontinuous buffer solution, horizontal gel electrophoresis involves casting the gel matrix horizontally.

The cathode is located in the top chamber of the vertical gel system, and the anode is located in the bottom chamber. Electrodes inside of both chambers produce the appropriate electric field. Next, some gel is added between two mounted glass plates so that the lower portion of the gel is submerged in one chamber of the buffer and the upper portion is submerged in another chamber of the buffer. A small quantity of buffer travels through the gel and down the chamber when an electric current is applied.

You can fully manage voltage gradients throughout the separation process since the buffer only passes through the gel. This implies that while using the vertical electrophoresis method, you may anticipate a more effective separation and improved resolution.

Gel

Agarose gel is used in horizontal gel electrophoresis and acrylamide gel is used in vertical gel electrophoresis. Agarose gels have holes that are bigger (100 to 500 nm in size), while acrylamide gels have pores that are smaller (10 to 200 nm in diameter). Since horizontal gel electrophoresis exposes the gel to ambient oxygen, acrylamide cannot be utilized in this procedure.

Oxygen prevents acrylamide from polymerizing and prevents the gel from forming. However, since the buffer only runs through the gel and the separate compartments are not exposed to ambient oxygen, you are allowed to employ acrylamide gel in vertical gel electrophoresis.

If you want to learn everything there is to know about a Vertical Gel Electrophoresis System, get in touch with IGene Labserve by going to https://www.igenels.com   or dial 09310696848 to know more about our product.

Importance of Laminar Flow Hood and its Uses

 

 

A Laminar air flow hood/cabinet is an enclosed workstation that is utilized to have a contamination-free work environment with the help of a filter to capture all the particles entering the cabinet.

Safety factors while using Biological Safety Cabinet

 

Biosafety Cabinet is one of the most important pieces of equipment for laboratories. We are sharing some useful points that will help you understand the safety essentials while using the Biosafety Cabinet. It is used in various ways; let’s understand the basic importance, benefits, and uses of Biosafety Cabinets.

The main engineering measure protecting users, samples, and the environment against biohazards is called the biological safety cabinet. The airflow of a biosafety cabinet is comprised of an inflow barrier that prevents the unintentional escape of biohazards from the cabinet's working area. Additionally, it contains a downflow air system that purges pollutants from the workspace, creating a sterile environment for the samples.

The following factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a BSC: the nature of the job, the categorization of biohazards , the need to protect employees from radioactive exposure, the presence of volatile hazardous compounds, or a combination of these factors. The recommended BSCs for each form of protection are shown in the table below.

Things to avoid when using a BSC

• Avoid relying on UV light; it just illuminates surfaces, not what is underneath them. The germicidal properties of the bulb become coated with dust and other things, and they last far longer than the blue light. Weekly dusting and yearly bulb replacement are required. UV can be used in addition to excellent chemical disinfection, although the latter is far more dependable.
• Avoid blocking the grills or clogging the BSC. Blocking the front or back perforated grill or clogging your workspace has a detrimental impact on airflow and aerosol containment.
• Use a drizzle bottle to administer disinfectants like bleach instead of spraying them on. To protect the internal components of the BSC against rust and damage, follow with an ethanol rinse.
• As BSCs are made to function at a predetermined sash height, do not raise the sash (this is very different from a chemical fume hood).
• Use of Bunsen Burners within the BSC is not recommended since they increase the risk of fire, explosion, and air turbulence. There are several safer substitutes, such as the Bacticinerator, the Flame Boy, and others (contact EHS).
• Use of volatile or combustible chemicals is not advised since BSCs are not made to filter or confine chemicals so that they can return to the room. They may flow back into the room and be inhaled by you and your coworkers. When concentrated inside the BSC, volatile or flammable compounds run the risk of igniting upon coming into touch with electrical components.

Uses of Biosafety Cabinet

Biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, viral vectors, fungi, parasites, human/animal tissue, and cell lines, and prions can all be safely stored in biosafety cabinets. They must not be utilized with:

• Large amounts of volatile or toxic chemicals
• Volatile radionuclides
• Concentrated flammable chemicals
• Open flames

If you want to learn everything there is to know about a Biosafety Cabinet, get in touch with IGene Labserve by going to https://www.igenels.com/   or call 09310696848 to talk to an expert.