PAU@nfl.afrc.ac.uk (04/11/91)
> We have found that repeated silanization of glass plates used for DNA > sequencing gels eventually leads to problems in pouring the gel.. we can > correct this by overnight soaking in 10-20% NaOH.. we would > prefer to decrease our exposure to silane.. We'd appreciate any > suggested alternatives to silanization that could be used on a daily basis. We have been using 'RAIN-X' a product for car windscreens ("the invisible windscreen wiper") very successfully for silanizing plates. It does not appear to have exposure problems, and does not need to be used every time, -we only use it every three or more runs. It is available in the US from the motor accessories sections of supermarkets (eg Kmart) and in the UK - at much greater expense from mail order suppliers. Is it possible that your alkali treatment of glass is etching the plates - would acid treatment (5-10% HCl) not be better? We very rarely need to treat plates with acid. Richard Pau - PAU@UK.AC.AFRC.NFL