User Manual

2
Section 2
Special Handling Features
The Bio-Dot apparatus withstands autoclave temperatures for sterilization, as well as
cleaning with alcohols, acids, and base solutions.
2.1 Autoclaving
The Tygon tubing and flow valve cannot be autoclaved. All other components of the
apparatus withstand the autoclave treatment. After repeated autoclaving (~25 cycl es), the
silicone rubber gasket may need replacing. The autoclave conditions that should be used
are a maximum sterilization temperature of 250°F (121°C) for 15 minutes, followed by a
1 minute fast exhaust. Higher temperatures or increased exposure times will significantly
reduce the life of the apparatus. Do not autoclave the unit with the thumbscrews tightened,
as this may cause the unit to warp during exposure to the elevated temperatures.
2.2 Chemical Stability
The apparatus is stable in acid and base solutions, as well as alcohol solutions. This
feature allows rapid cleanup and sterilization of the apparatus and gaskets. The unit is not
compatible with polar, aromatic, or chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones. These
solvents will cause degradation of the plastic. See Table 1 for list of chemical stabilities. For
color development in the apparatus, the unit is compatible with both the methanol used in
horseradish peroxidase (HRP) color development systems and the low concentration of
dimethyl formamide (DMF) used to solubilize the alkaline phosphatase (AP) color
development reagents. However, high concentrations of DMF will attack the plastic. Also,
the unit is completely compatible with the low concentrations of diethyl pyrocarbonate
(DEP) used as an alternative to autoclaving for elimination of RNase activity.
Table 1. Chemical Compatibility
Chemicals compatible with Bio-Dot apparatus
Hydrochloric acid Methanol
Sulfuric acid Ethanol
Phosphoric acid Butanol
Glacial acetic acid Isopropyl alcohol
Sodium hydroxide Formaldehyde
Potassium hydroxide Hydrogen peroxide
Ammonium hydroxide Ethylene glycol
Heptane 5% acetone in H
2
O
Nitric acid
Chemicals incompatible with Bio-Dot apparatus (use voids warranty)
Ethyl acetate Toluene
Butyl acetate Benzene
Acetone Methyl ethyl ketone
Chloroform Methylene chloride
Trichloroacetic acid