Bio-Rad GelAir Dryer – Uncompromising drying for your electrophoresis gels
The Bio-Rad GelAir dryer is the benchmark equipment for all laboratories looking for a reliable, high-performance solution for drying polyacrylamide or agarose gels. This system has been designed to provide uniform drying without cracking and without the use of a vacuum pump. It preserves the integrity of the gels while simplifying the post-electrophoresis preparation process.
Thanks to controlled air diffusion technology, GelAir ensures optimal drying, with or without heat. It works using a system of drying frames in which the gels are pressed between two sheets of moistened cellophane. Once inserted into the device, the frames are exposed to hot or ambient air circulation, which dries the samples while minimising the risk of deformation or cracking. This precise and reproducible operating mode guarantees reliable results for subsequent analyses.
The GelAir's design allows up to four frames to be processed simultaneously, each of which can hold several small gels or one large gel. This time saving and efficiency are complemented by intuitive operation: an adjustable timer of up to 3 hours allows the drying time to be programmed according to the thickness of the gel, while a switch allows the heating element to be activated or deactivated.
Robust and compact, the GelAir fits easily into any type of laboratory. It is particularly appreciated for applications requiring high-quality drying, such as densitometry, photographic documentation or autoradiography. Its safe, electrically insulated design makes it a reliable device over the long term. In addition, it requires little maintenance and is resistant to substances used in electrophoresis, such as dyes and buffers.
Specific protocols also allow more fragile gels to be dried by adding a plastic film sheet or filter paper to facilitate handling and prevent any risk of degradation. With GelAir, Bio-Rad offers an essential tool for all laboratories seeking to combine precision, efficiency and simplicity in the management of their gels.