Horizontal Electrophoresis System LHES-C11

Labtron offers horizontal electrophoresis systems in various sizes—mini, midi, and large formats to support both low-throughput and high-throughput applications. Mini-gel systems are perfect for quick checks or teaching environments, while large-format systems allow more samples and higher-resolution separations. Many Labtron models come with interchangeable gel trays and adjustable combs, so users can adapt the system to different experimental designs without needing multiple devices. This flexibility reduces costs and saves bench space.

Yes, horizontal electrophoresis can be adapted for RNA analysis, and Labtron offers configurations that support this. However, since RNA is highly sensitive to degradation by RNases (enzymes that break down RNA), precautions such as using RNase-free reagents and equipment are necessary. Additionally, RNA is often run on a denaturing agarose gel (commonly containing formaldehyde) to prevent it from forming secondary structures that would affect migration. Labtron provides accessories compatible with denaturing gel protocols, allowing researchers to clearly separate RNA molecules based on size and assess RNA integrity, which is essential for downstream applications like qPCR, northern blotting, or RNA sequencing.

Labtron incorporates several safety features into its horizontal electrophoresis systems to ensure user protection and compliance with lab standards. One key feature is a lid interlock mechanism, which disables power to the electrodes when the lid is removed, preventing accidental electric shocks. The tank is constructed from non-conductive, chemical-resistant materials to minimize the risk of leaks, overheating, and buffer contamination. The transparent cover not only allows real-time monitoring but also shields users from UV light exposure during visualization (when combined with transilluminators). Labtron also includes clear safety labeling, user manuals, and setup instructions to promote safe usage and avoid common operational hazards.

Labtron’s horizontal electrophoresis systems are designed to provide flexibility in run time, which generally ranges from 30 to 90 minutes. The exact duration depends on several factors: gel concentration (lower percentages run faster), buffer composition (TAE runs faster than TBE), fragment size, and voltage applied. For example, a 1% agarose gel run at 100V typically takes about 45 minutes to separate DNA fragments between 500 bp to 10 kb. Labtron systems also dissipate heat efficiently, allowing for consistent performance even during longer runs or higher voltage settings without overheating the gel or buffer, which can otherwise affect band sharpness.

Yes, Labtron offers horizontal electrophoresis systems with extended trays or dual-gel capacity that enable users to run multiple gels simultaneously, which is especially beneficial in high-throughput environments such as core facilities, diagnostics labs, and teaching institutions. The power supply and buffer circulation design in Labtron’s systems ensures uniform voltage and current distribution across all gels, so users do not need to worry about uneven migration or inconsistent banding patterns. This feature saves both time and resources, allowing for efficient processing of large sample volumes.