From: Disher, Rose [CNTUS] <DisherR@Centocor.com>
  To  : ">"'Andrew Leech'" , RASMB@bbri.org
  Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 16:32:56 -0400

RE: scratches on centerpieces

I have found a better solution than pipecleaners for cleaning those crevices
and stubborn deposits on my sedimentation velocity cells.  I use Absorbond*
swabs, which are manufactured by Texwipe* and are optical grade swabs made
of a nonabrasive hydroentangled nonwoven polyester on a polypropylene
handle.  I don't mean to sound like a commerical, but these work really
well.  They come in multiple sizes and have very good absorbancy and
chemical resistance properties in addition to being nonabrasive.  I have
even switched from Kimwipes to an optical-grade wipe made from the same
material for most applications.  While these wipes are not entirely
lint-free, any residual lint is easily removed by using a nitrogen stream or
optical-grade canned air product.  I am sure that any high quality optical
grade swab/wipe would make a suitable substitute.

RBS-35 detergent from Pierce is also very good for cleaning charcoal-epon
centerpieces and windows, but is a little aggressive for some of the
metallic cell components, which I clean with rotor cleaner.  RBS-35 has
close to the cleaning power of chromic acid but is comparable to other
standard laboratory cleaners in gentleness and disposability.  A good soak
in this detergent coupled with a gentle scrub has removed everything I have
put in my cells to date.  

		-----Original Message-----
		From:	Andrew Leech [A.Leech@uea.ac.uk]">mailto:A.Leech@uea.ac.uk]
		Sent:	Tuesday, August 29, 2000 12:51 PM
		To:	RASMB@bbri.org
		Cc:	Andrew Leech
		Subject:	RE: scratches on centerpieces


		I too use the long gel tips for loading. They are not quite
long
		enough to empty cells, but I have adapted them by adding a
small
		piece of polythene capilliary held on with a bit of silicone
		tubing.

		I have a related question, which is about cleaning the
centrepieces.
		For "stubborn" deposits I have been (very carefully!) using
a pipe-
		cleaner to get into the corners at the bottom of the wedge.
This
		is not very satisfactory as the pipe cleaners have wire in
them,
		and I'm afraid of making scratches. What do other people do
to get
		their cells squeaky-clean?

		Andrew

	
===================================================================

		Dr Andrew Leech                  *Tel +44 (0) 1603 593585
		Senior Research Assistant        *Fax +44 (0) 1603 592250
		School of Biological Sciences    *Email a.leech@uea.ac.uk
		University of East Anglia        *
		Norwich NR4 7TJ,  U.K.           *