VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 with 0.75 mm x 16-Tooth Comb Review

Is the Hype Real? VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb Reviewed

The VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb promises high-throughput screening, excellent resolution, and durability for everyday lab use. As a seasoned lab professional, I’ve seen countless electrophoresis systems come and go, each with its own set of promises and pitfalls. This review will cut through the marketing jargon and provide an honest assessment of the VWR system’s real-world performance, particularly focusing on the included combs.

My journey to this specific system started with a persistent bottleneck in our PCR product analysis. We needed a reliable, high-capacity electrophoresis setup to handle the increasing volume of samples generated from our 96-well plates. The VWR Maxi 20 seemed like a potential solution, offering a larger gel size and multiple comb options.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the robust acrylic construction of the gel box and tray. The components felt solid and well-made, suggesting a system designed for long-term use. The included combs, specifically the 0.75 mm x 16-tooth comb, appeared precise and well-formed, crucial for achieving consistent well depths and preventing sample leakage.

Compared to our older Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN Tetra system, the VWR Maxi 20 offered significantly larger gel capacity. This reduces the number of runs needed and better accommodates multiple samples. We also considered the Thermo Scientific Owl EasyCast B2 system but ultimately opted for the VWR Maxi 20 due to its superior comb adjustability and the promise of easier, tape-free gel casting.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The system looked promising, but the real test would be in its performance and reliability during actual experiments.

Real-World Testing: Putting VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the VWR Maxi 20 with a series of PCR products and RFLP analysis samples. We ran the electrophoresis in our standard Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer system. The lab environment was temperature-controlled, but humidity can fluctuate.

The system performed admirably, producing clear and well-resolved bands. The 0.75 mm x 16-tooth comb created consistent wells that minimized sample diffusion during loading. The tape-free casting system worked exactly as advertised.

While relatively simple to set up, the sheer size of the gel tray took some getting used to. There was a slight learning curve related to the volume of agarose needed. However, overall the experience was straightforward and efficient.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the VWR Maxi 20 continues to perform reliably. There is no sign of leakage or degradation of the acrylic components. The electrode cassettes still remove easily for cleaning.

The only minor wear and tear observed is slight scratching on the gel tray surface from repeated handling with pipettes. Cleaning is simple, requiring only mild detergent and distilled water. This minimizes buffer carryover between runs.

Compared to our previous system, the VWR Maxi 20 consistently delivers better resolution and higher throughput. The 0.75 mm x 16-tooth comb continues to provide excellent well definition.

Breaking Down the Features of VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb

Specifications

The VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb boasts several key specifications. It includes a 20x20cm (7 7/8 x 7 7/8″) gel tray and accepts various comb thicknesses. This makes it ideal for diverse sample volumes.

• Comb Details: 0.75 mm x 16-Tooth Comb, allowing for precise sample loading and high-resolution separation. This comb thickness is optimal for moderate sample volumes and band clarity.

• Dimensions: 23W x 39.5L x 9H cm (9 1/16 x 15 9/16 x 3 1/2″), providing a large gel area for increased sample capacity. This supports high-throughput screening.

• Buffer Volume: 1200 mL, ensuring consistent electrophoresis conditions and minimizing buffer depletion during long runs. Adequate buffer volume is crucial for maintaining pH and ionic strength.

• Max Sample Capacity: 450, enabling the simultaneous analysis of numerous samples. This is particularly useful for processing PCR products from 96-well plates.

The 0.75mm thickness of the comb is a sweet spot for many applications. The 16-tooth configuration strikes a balance between the number of samples that can be run and well size. The larger dimensions allow for longer runs, thus better separation.

Performance & Functionality

The VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System performs exceptionally well in various molecular biology applications. It consistently delivers sharp, well-defined bands, even with complex sample mixtures.

The system’s strength lies in its ability to handle a large number of samples efficiently. The tape-free casting design minimizes setup time. One area for improvement would be the addition of a built-in cooling system to further enhance resolution during extended runs.

Overall, the system has exceeded expectations in terms of performance, resolution, and ease of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The VWR Maxi 20 features a robust and user-friendly design. The thick acrylic construction provides excellent durability. The “EasyLift” lid design prevents condensation from dripping onto the gel.

The system is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. Although large, the system’s weight is manageable.

Durability & Maintenance

The system is built to withstand the rigors of daily laboratory use. Regular cleaning with mild detergent ensures long-term performance. Replacement electrode cassettes are available from VWR should they ever be needed.

With proper care, the VWR Maxi 20 is expected to provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The VWR Maxi 20 comes standard with a 20x20cm gel tray, two 20-tooth 1.5mm thick combs, two 40-tooth 1.5mm thick combs, and well visualization strips. The availability of various comb thicknesses (including the 0.75mm x 16-tooth comb reviewed here) offers flexibility in sample loading.

While the system does not offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with most commercially available electrophoresis power supplies. Adjusting the voltage and current based on the gel and buffer system used is essential for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb

Who Should Buy VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb?

The VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System is perfect for molecular biology labs, genetics research facilities, and any lab requiring high-throughput electrophoresis. It especially benefits researchers working with PCR products, RFLP analysis, or plasmid screenings.

Labs with limited sample throughput or those requiring smaller gel sizes may find this system overkill. A must-have accessory is a high-quality electrophoresis power supply capable of delivering consistent voltage and current.

Conclusion on VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb

The VWR Maxi 20 Electrophoresis System E1120-160.75 Combs 0.75 Mm x 16-Tooth Comb is a powerful and reliable tool for high-throughput electrophoresis. Its robust construction, ease of use, and excellent resolution make it a valuable addition to any molecular biology laboratory.

At $245.99, the price is justified considering the system’s capacity and performance. I would highly recommend the VWR Maxi 20 to any lab seeking to streamline their electrophoresis workflow and improve data quality. Invest in the VWR Maxi 20 today and experience the difference it can make in your research.