MUHWA Vertical Gel Electrophoresis Casting Stand — Single-Core Clamp Kit
The MUHWA vertical gel electrophoresis casting stand is a dedicated single-core casting station for preparing polyacrylamide gels used in SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, and Western blotting workflows. The kit includes a weighted casting stand base, a clamping frame, a silicone sealing gasket, and a gel releaser tool — providing a complete, leak-free solution for casting one gel at a time. The compression-seal design eliminates the need for agarose plugging or adhesive tape, while the even-pressure clamp ensures uniform gel thickness across the entire glass plate assembly. Compatible with standard Mini-PROTEAN Tetra cell casting modules and 10.1×7.3cm glass plates (0.75mm or 1.0mm spacers), this casting stand integrates seamlessly into existing protein electrophoresis workflows in biochemistry, molecular biology, and clinical proteomics laboratories.
Key Features
- Single-Core Casting Station: Designed for casting one gel at a time. Ideal for individual researchers or low-to-medium throughput labs where parallel gel casting stations are used independently rather than in multi-gel casting chambers.
- Compression Silicone Gasket Seal: The silicone gasket compresses against the glass plate assembly when the clamp is engaged, creating a uniform, leak-proof seal along the bottom and sides. No agarose plugging, no tape, no grease — just clamp and pour.
- Weighted Base for Stability: The casting stand base has sufficient mass to remain stable during gel pouring and polymerization. Non-slip feet prevent movement on wet laboratory benches.
- Even-Pressure Clamp Mechanism: The spring-loaded clamp applies consistent pressure across the full width of the glass plate sandwich, ensuring uniform gel thickness. Inconsistent clamping pressure is a common cause of smiling/frowning bands, distorted lanes, and uneven migration.
- Gel Releaser Wedge Tool: The included plastic wedge separates glass plates after polymerization without metal tools that can chip or scratch plate surfaces. Preserving glass plate integrity is essential for reproducible gel quality over hundreds of runs.
- Wide Compatibility: Accepts standard 10.1×7.3cm glass plates with integrated 0.75mm or 1.0mm spacers. Compatible with Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN Tetra and most third-party vertical electrophoresis tanks using this plate format.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Type | Vertical gel electrophoresis casting stand |
| Core Capacity | Single core (casts 1 gel at a time) |
| Included Components | Casting stand base, clamping frame, silicone gasket, gel releaser wedge |
| Compatible Glass Plates | 10.1 x 7.3 cm with 0.75mm or 1.0mm integrated spacers |
| Compatible Systems | Mini-PROTEAN Tetra and equivalent vertical tanks |
| Gasket Material | Silicone |
| Stand Material | Weighted base with corrosion-resistant finish |
| SKU | MH-0105CS |
| Gel Format | Standard 8.6 x 6.8 cm resolving gel area |
| Glass Plates | Not included — sold separately |
Applications
- SDS-PAGE: Casting denaturing polyacrylamide gels for protein molecular weight separation. Compatible with standard Tris-glycine-SDS, Bis-Tris, and Tris-acetate buffer systems for resolving proteins from 2.5–500 kDa.
- Western Blotting: Prepare gels for immunoblotting workflows. Consistent gel thickness from the clamp mechanism ensures uniform protein transfer efficiency across the membrane during electroblotting.
- Native PAGE: Cast non-denaturing gels for analyzing protein complexes, oligomerization states, and enzyme activity. The leak-proof seal prevents gel irregularities that complicate native gel interpretation.
- Teaching Laboratories: Single-core casting stations are ideal for university biochemistry and molecular biology practical courses where students prepare and run their own gels individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do glass plates come with this casting stand?
A: No. Glass plates are sold separately. This kit includes the casting stand base, clamping frame, silicone gasket, and gel releaser tool. Compatible glass plates are standard 10.1×7.3cm format with 0.75mm or 1.0mm integrated spacers.
Q: Is this compatible with Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN Tetra systems?
A: Yes. The casting stand accepts the same 10.1×7.3cm glass plate format used in Mini-PROTEAN Tetra cells. It can be used as a direct replacement or supplementary casting station for these systems.
Q: How do I prevent gel leakage during casting?
A: Ensure the silicone gasket is clean and properly seated in the casting frame groove. Insert the glass plate sandwich firmly against the gasket and engage the clamp fully. A thin film of water or 70% ethanol on the gasket surface can improve the seal. If leakage persists, inspect the gasket for nicks, tears, or permanent compression set.
Q: Can I cast gradient gels with this stand?
A: Yes. The clamping mechanism holds the glass plates securely during gradient pouring. Use a standard gradient maker with outlet tubing positioned between the glass plates. The stable weighted base prevents tipping during the slower pour rates used for gradient gel preparation.
Q: How often should the silicone gasket be replaced?
A: With proper care (rinsing with distilled water after use, air-drying, storing flat), a silicone gasket typically lasts 6–12 months of regular use. Replace when the gasket shows visible flattening, cracking, or when leakage occurs despite proper assembly. Spare gaskets are available separately.
