XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Electrophoresis System

The XCell SureLock Mini-Cell now features an improved core with a stainless-steel cathode bar that enables 10–25% faster run times and greater durability while preserving the simple, clamp-free setup customers trust. With the same easy loading process and tough polycarbonate construction, the upgraded design helps provide more robust performance, reduced risk of core failure, and consistent, high-quality gel separations—all in the familiar compact footprint researchers rely on.

Power supplies  Protein gels

XCell SureLock Mini-Cell specifications

CapacityUp to 2 mini gels
Gel compatibility

Gel size: 8 x 8 cm

Gel cassette: 10 x 10 cm
Thickness: 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm
Format: Standard or WedgeWell

Compatible gelsAll Invitrogen precast mini gels, SureCast handcast gels, and Invitrogen empty mini gel cassettes
Buffer chamber RequirementUpper chamber: 200 mL
Lower chamber: 600 mL
Optional transfer apparatusXCell II Blot Module
Transfer capacityUp to 2 mini gels
Compatible power suppliesPowerEase Touch Power Supplies (120W, 350W, 600W, HV) Owl systems, for other systems such as Hoefer or Bio-Rad use with Novex Power Supply Adapters (Cat. No. ZA10001)
Unit dimensions14 x 13 x 16 cm (height with lid on)
MaterialPolycarbonate
ElectrodeStainless-steel cathode bar and platinum wire anode
Electrode limits500 VDC or 75 Watts
Chemical resistanceImpervious to most alcohols but not compatible with chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., chloroform), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene, benzene), or acetone.
Catalog numberEI0001

The XCell SureLock Mini-Cell is covered under U.S. Patent No. 6,001,223.

How XCell SureLock Mini-Cell works

The XCell SureLock Mini-Cell holds gels firmly with a simple gel tension wedge. When the lever on the gel tension wedge is pushed forward into the locked position, an even, horizontal force is generated. This seals the gel/buffer core assembly firmly into position in the lower buffer chamber. The positive locking action of the gel tension wedge helps ensure a trouble-free, leak-free gel runs.

XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Locked
Locked Position
XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Unlocked
Unlocked Position


Improvements to the XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Core

The XCell Mini-Cell now incorporates a redesigned stainless-steel cathode core (EI9015) engineered for faster, more reliable performance. This core enables 10–25% faster gel separation compared to the previous platinum-wire design, helping researchers complete workflows more efficiently. The stainless-steel construction significantly enhances robustness, reducing the risk of breakage and minimizing technical issues in routine use. Importantly, the improved core maintains identical gel performance—including migration behavior, straightness, and band clarity—while supporting enhanced regulatory compliance with CE, TÜV Rheinland, and WEEE certifications.


Transfer using the XCell II Blot Module

The XCell II Blot Module allows you to easily transfer proteins or nucleic acids from mini-gels to membranes. It fits neatly into the XCell SureLock and XCell II Mini-Cells in place of the gel/buffer core assembly. It requires less than 200 mL of transfer buffer for western, Southern, and northern transfers. Tough platinized titanium and stainless steel electrodes create a uniform electrical field without clamps or hinged gel holders. Maximum blot size is 9 cm x 9 cm. Learn more here.

Easily set up the XCell SureLock Mini-Cell in three simple steps

XCell-SureLock-Mini-Cell-three-simple-steps-step1-155x153

Step 1. Place one or two precast gels on buffer core.

XCell-SureLock-Mini-Cell-three-simple-steps-step2-155x153

Step 2. Drop buffer core and gels into the lower buffer chamber of XCell SureLock Mini-Cell.

XCell-SureLock-Mini-Cell-three-simple-steps-step3-155x153

Step 3. Lock the gel tension wedge, load samples, fill buffer chambers, and you're set up.

Recommended electrophoresis run conditions

Gel TypeVoltage (V)Starting Current (mA)Ending Current (mA)Run Time
Bolt Bis-Tris Plus (MES)20025015020
Bolt Bis-Tris Plus (MES) Quick Protocol25035023014
Bolt Bis-Tris Plus (MOPS)20021010025
NuPAGE Bis-Tris (MES)20025018024
NuPAGE Bis-Tris (MOPS)20024014528
Novex Tris-Glycine Plus (denatured)2251806532
Novex 4–20% Tris-Glycine Plus (native)225301090
NuPAGE 3–8% Tris-Acetate (denatured)1501005548
NuPAGE 3–8% Tris-Acetate (native)1504010100
Novex 10–20% Tricine1251708070
NativePAGE 4–16%15030585
pH 3–10 IEFProgram1510150
10% Zymogram (Gelatin)125401090
10% TBE-Urea (DNA)180101050

XCell SureLock Mini-Cell specifications

CapacityUp to 2 mini gels
Gel compatibility

Gel size: 8 x 8 cm

Gel cassette: 10 x 10 cm
Thickness: 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm
Format: Standard or WedgeWell

Compatible gelsAll Invitrogen precast mini gels, SureCast handcast gels, and Invitrogen empty mini gel cassettes
Buffer chamber RequirementUpper chamber: 200 mL
Lower chamber: 600 mL
Optional transfer apparatusXCell II Blot Module
Transfer capacityUp to 2 mini gels
Compatible power suppliesPowerEase Touch Power Supplies (120W, 350W, 600W, HV) Owl systems, for other systems such as Hoefer or Bio-Rad use with Novex Power Supply Adapters (Cat. No. ZA10001)
Unit dimensions14 x 13 x 16 cm (height with lid on)
MaterialPolycarbonate
ElectrodeStainless-steel cathode bar and platinum wire anode
Electrode limits500 VDC or 75 Watts
Chemical resistanceImpervious to most alcohols but not compatible with chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., chloroform), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene, benzene), or acetone.
Catalog numberEI0001

The XCell SureLock Mini-Cell is covered under U.S. Patent No. 6,001,223.

How XCell SureLock Mini-Cell works

The XCell SureLock Mini-Cell holds gels firmly with a simple gel tension wedge. When the lever on the gel tension wedge is pushed forward into the locked position, an even, horizontal force is generated. This seals the gel/buffer core assembly firmly into position in the lower buffer chamber. The positive locking action of the gel tension wedge helps ensure a trouble-free, leak-free gel runs.

XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Locked
Locked Position
XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Unlocked
Unlocked Position


Improvements to the XCell SureLock Mini-Cell Core

The XCell Mini-Cell now incorporates a redesigned stainless-steel cathode core (EI9015) engineered for faster, more reliable performance. This core enables 10–25% faster gel separation compared to the previous platinum-wire design, helping researchers complete workflows more efficiently. The stainless-steel construction significantly enhances robustness, reducing the risk of breakage and minimizing technical issues in routine use. Importantly, the improved core maintains identical gel performance—including migration behavior, straightness, and band clarity—while supporting enhanced regulatory compliance with CE, TÜV Rheinland, and WEEE certifications.


Transfer using the XCell II Blot Module

The XCell II Blot Module allows you to easily transfer proteins or nucleic acids from mini-gels to membranes. It fits neatly into the XCell SureLock and XCell II Mini-Cells in place of the gel/buffer core assembly. It requires less than 200 mL of transfer buffer for western, Southern, and northern transfers. Tough platinized titanium and stainless steel electrodes create a uniform electrical field without clamps or hinged gel holders. Maximum blot size is 9 cm x 9 cm. Learn more here.

Easily set up the XCell SureLock Mini-Cell in three simple steps

XCell-SureLock-Mini-Cell-three-simple-steps-step1-155x153

Step 1. Place one or two precast gels on buffer core.

XCell-SureLock-Mini-Cell-three-simple-steps-step2-155x153

Step 2. Drop buffer core and gels into the lower buffer chamber of XCell SureLock Mini-Cell.

XCell-SureLock-Mini-Cell-three-simple-steps-step3-155x153

Step 3. Lock the gel tension wedge, load samples, fill buffer chambers, and you're set up.

Recommended electrophoresis run conditions

Gel TypeVoltage (V)Starting Current (mA)Ending Current (mA)Run Time
Bolt Bis-Tris Plus (MES)20025015020
Bolt Bis-Tris Plus (MES) Quick Protocol25035023014
Bolt Bis-Tris Plus (MOPS)20021010025
NuPAGE Bis-Tris (MES)20025018024
NuPAGE Bis-Tris (MOPS)20024014528
Novex Tris-Glycine Plus (denatured)2251806532
Novex 4–20% Tris-Glycine Plus (native)225301090
NuPAGE 3–8% Tris-Acetate (denatured)1501005548
NuPAGE 3–8% Tris-Acetate (native)1504010100
Novex 10–20% Tricine1251708070
NativePAGE 4–16%15030585
pH 3–10 IEFProgram1510150
10% Zymogram (Gelatin)125401090
10% TBE-Urea (DNA)180101050
Resources

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.