MiniOne Comparison to Traditional Systems

How can the MiniOne System benefit my class? We performed a MiniOne System comparison with a traditional electrophoresis chamber using the same commercially available kit to demonstrate that the MiniOne System is optimized to save on consumable and reagent costs while maximizing the educational value of your favorite kits. In this experiment, the sensitivity of the MiniOne allowed us to use five times less DNA than the suggested protocol, meaning you can use the same set of reagents for five of your classes rather than just one! The MiniOne System shrinks the time needed to complete the lab to a single class period while providing maximum hands-on experience for students.

Traditional System with Flash Blue Traditional System with Sybr Safe MiniOne with GelCups

Time
24 hours

Run at 150V

  • 5 minutes staining
  • 20 minutes de-staining (overnight recommended)
  • 15 minutes to transfer and image on transilluminator for whole class
  • Visualization usually the next day
40 minutes

Run at 150V

  • 15 minutes to transfer and image on transilluminator for whole class
  • Visualization at the end of class
20 minutes

Run at 42V

  • Results visible instantly
  • Image directly, no transfer necessary
  • Experiments can be completed in a single class period

Student Engagement

  • Set-up performed by teacher
  • Students lose interest during run when there is nothing in the gel to look at
  • Teacher must transfer gel to transilluminator for viewing

  • Set-up performed by teacher
  • Students lose interest during run when there is nothing in the gel to look at
  • Teacher must transfer gel to transilluminator for viewing

  • Students set up and cast their own gels
  • Watching DNA migrate and separate in real time engages students’ interest and encourages group discussion
  • Students document their own data at their benches

Ease of Use and Storage

  • Separate bulky power supply and transilluminator
  • Requires technical attention from the teacher
  • Stain and post staining process required to visualize after run
  • Voltage, dye concentration, sample concentration, and buffer volume have to be separately optimized
  • Gel may need to be returned to the tank multiple times for optimal separation before imaging
  • Fragile electrode wire

  • Separate bulky power supply and transilluminator
  • Requires technical attention from the teacher
  • Visualization possible after the run and transfer to imaging station
  • Voltage, dye concentration, sample concentration, and buffer volume have to be separately optimized
  • Gel may need to be returned to the tank for additional run time before imaging
  • Fragile electrode wire

  • Built-in power supply and illumination
  • Simple operation encourages student participation
  • Visualization possble during the run. Not necessary to transfer gel
  • Voltage, dye concentration and buffer volume have been pre-optimized and specified
  • Photohood provides optimal focal length for imaging with a cell phone or digital camera and eliminates need to transfer gel
  • Rugged carbon rod electrodes

Safety

  • Requires high voltage 150V
  • No toxic chemicals or UV light

  • Requires high voltage 150V
  • No toxic chemicals or UV light

  • Uses low 42 Volts
  • Power turns off when hood is removed
  • No toxic chemicals or UV light

  Table last updated: September 25, 2017