From: H. Olin Spivey <ospivey@bmb-fs1.biochem.okstate.edu>
  To  : Andrew Leech , RASMB@BBRI.ORG
  Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 13:51:25 -0600

Re: Anaerobic use and C-filled Epon

   I don't have direct experience with the AUC cells, but do have
considerable experience with research requiring nearly complete exclusion
of CO2 from aqueous solutions and plastics in contact with them.  We found
that gases are in general quite soluble in teflon and thus probably other
plastics also.  Also found that argon was far superior to N2 for preventing
reentry of atmospheric gases into solutions during their manipulations.
The density of argon is sufficiently higher than other gases to provide a
good blanket over the solution in marked contrast to N2.

   So I think your concerns are wise.

   Olin
________________________________________________________________


At 3:47 PM +0000 12/17/99, Andrew Leech wrote:
>I would be interested in hints and tips about ultracentrifugation
>of oxygen sensitive (protein) samples. I am worried that residual
>O2 might stick to the surface of the charcoal-filled Epon cells.
>My current idea is to store the assembled cells in a glove box
>for some period then fill them, then transfer out to the machine
>(which is some distance away).
>
>Am I being paranoid, or are there techniques to minimise oxygen
>contamination during cell filling and run setups? Any advice would
>be greatly appreciated.
>
>Andrew
>
>===================================================================
>
>Dr Andrew Leech                  *Tel +44 (0) 1603 592758
>Scientific Officer               *Fax +44 (0) 1603 592250
>School of Biological Sciences    *Email a.leech@uea.ac.uk
>University of East Anglia        *
>Norwich NR4 7TJ,  U.K.           *


H. Olin Spivey                       Phone: (405) 744-6192
Dept. Biochem. & Molec. Biology      Fax:   (405) 744-7799
246 NRC                              Email: OSpivey@Biochem.Okstate.Edu
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078-3035