Features:
- IBI MAXI FlexTubes are typically used for the following applications: dialysis, gel extraction, electro-elution, and de-salting.
- The design of the FlexTube allows for easy loading and unloading with a standard pipette tip and screw-cap top.
- Multiple tubes can be placed in one buffer tank for high-throughput applications with minimal hands-on time.
- The FlexTube membrane is constructed of regenerated cellulose.
- The membrane dimensions for the MAXI FlexTube are 1.4 x 2cm.
- For the MAXI FlexTube, the minimum sample size is 20µg, the maximum gel slice is 2cm x 1cm, and the dialysis volume is 0.1 - 3ml.
When used for dialysis or buffer exchange, the MAXI FlexTubes can be used with DNA, RNA, proteins, and Oligonucleotides (>15nt) for small volumes of 0.1-3mL. Simply load the sample into the tube with a standard pipette, load it into the FlexTube float, and place it in a stirred beaker of the desired buffer. The ease of use of IBI FlexTubes is much greater than that of dialysis tubing and cassettes. When used for gel extraction, the FlexTubes can be used with proteins, RNA, DNA, or oligonucleotides (>20nt) from polyacrylamide, agarose, or any other gel matrix in a running buffer. The tubes are ideal for protein-nucleic acid complexes and large-size DNA fragments (>100Kb) from agarose or polyacrylamide gels. A typical extraction for a 50KDa molecule in a MAXI FlexTube is approximately 80 minutes. DNA recovery from polyacrylamide or agarose gels is typically greater than 90%.
Isolation of proteins from a gel using the FlexTube delivers up to 70% recovery yield. After the protein gel extraction, the sample can remain in the tube for SDS removal. The combination of SDS-PAGE, electro-elution with the FlexTube, and SDS removal buffer can give you a more accurate determination of a protein's molecular mass due to the high recovery yield and purity of the sample. This also results in a MALDI-MS analysis with greater sensitivity. The same FlexTube can also be used for Oligo PAGE Electro-Elution and De-Salting. This method is a vast improvement over the Diffusion Method, which is a lengthy overnight process that typically produces low yields. The FlexTube will allow the extraction of the protein from the gel followed by de-salting of the sample by dialysis in the same FlexTube. The easy-to-follow protocol will save you valuable lab time.
IBI MAXI FlexTubes are tested by using them in the extraction of proteins, RNA, or DNA fragments of various sizes from either agarose or polyacrylamide gels. IBI MAXI FlexTube kits are also tested for simple dialysis of salts or buffer exchanges. The quality of the isolated protein, RNA, or DNA fragments, or of the sample after dialysis, is checked by several assemblies commonly used for proteins, nucleic acids, and dialysis. The FlexTube is a single-use product.
