Bio-Rad Vacuum Regulator for Model 785 Vacuum Blotter – Vacuum Pressure Control Unit

The Bio-Rad Vacuum Regulator is a specialized laboratory accessory designed to control and regulate vacuum pressure during nucleic acid transfer procedures using the Bio-Rad Model 785 Vacuum Blotter. It is an important component of vacuum blotting systems used in molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, and life science research laboratories.

The regulator controls the negative pressure supplied by an external vacuum source and helps maintain an appropriate vacuum level during the transfer of DNA and RNA from agarose gels onto membranes. Controlled vacuum pressure is essential for achieving uniform transfer conditions and reproducible blotting results.

The Bio-Rad Vacuum Regulator features a pressure adjustment mechanism and an integrated analog vacuum gauge that allows laboratory personnel to monitor and adjust the vacuum level during operation. The regulator is equipped with connection ports at both ends. One port connects to the external vacuum source, while the other connects to the Model 785 Vacuum Blotter through suitable vacuum tubing.

The front-mounted adjustment valve allows users to control the amount of vacuum applied to the blotting system. By adjusting the valve, operators can increase or decrease the vacuum pressure according to the requirements of the transfer procedure. The analog gauge provides a visual indication of the vacuum level, helping maintain controlled operating conditions.

The regulator is particularly important in vacuum transfer applications involving nucleic acid blotting. During Southern and Northern blotting procedures, DNA or RNA fragments separated through gel electrophoresis are transferred onto a suitable membrane. The vacuum blotter creates suction beneath the gel and membrane arrangement, allowing transfer solution to move through the gel and facilitate nucleic acid transfer.

The Bio-Rad Model 785 Vacuum Blotter uses a specially designed vacuum stage and porous vacuum plate to distribute vacuum pressure across the transfer area. The regulator helps control this pressure and supports uniform transfer conditions throughout the procedure.

The vacuum regulator can be connected to a Bio-Rad vacuum pump or a suitable laboratory house vacuum source. A liquid trap or side-arm flask must be installed between the vacuum blotter and regulator to prevent liquids from reaching and damaging the sensitive pressure gauge. The regulator is intended for vacuum control and is not designed to handle liquids or vapours directly.

The equipment is designed for low-vacuum operation. Bio-Rad documentation describes approximately 5 inches of mercury as the required vacuum level for successful transfer using the Model 785 Vacuum Blotter. The regulator has a specified operating range of 0–25 inches of mercury, and vacuum sources exceeding the permitted pressure must be appropriately controlled.

The compact design and straightforward adjustment mechanism make the Bio-Rad Vacuum Regulator convenient for laboratory installation and routine use. Its analog pressure monitoring arrangement allows operators to observe vacuum conditions without requiring a complex electronic control interface.

The unit is especially useful in molecular biology and life science research laboratories performing DNA and RNA transfer experiments. It supports Southern blotting, Northern blotting, and other compatible vacuum-assisted nucleic acid transfer procedures.

Overall, the Bio-Rad Vacuum Regulator is an essential pressure-control accessory for compatible vacuum blotting systems. Its adjustable vacuum control, integrated pressure gauge, and dedicated connection arrangement make it a practical solution for laboratories requiring controlled and reproducible vacuum transfer conditions.

2.1 Applications of the Product

1. Southern Blotting: Regulates vacuum pressure during the transfer of DNA fragments from agarose gels onto membranes.
2. Northern Blotting: Supports controlled vacuum-assisted transfer of RNA onto suitable membranes.
3. Molecular Biology: Used in nucleic acid transfer and molecular analysis procedures.
4. Genetics Research: Supports DNA analysis and hybridization experiments.
5. Biotechnology Laboratories: Used in vacuum-based nucleic acid transfer workflows.
6. Life Science Research: Helps maintain controlled vacuum conditions during membrane transfer.
7. Academic Research: Suitable for molecular biology teaching and research laboratories.
8. Pharmaceutical Research: Supports compatible molecular biology and analytical research procedures.
9. Laboratory Equipment Maintenance: Serves as a replacement regulator for compatible Bio-Rad Model 785 Vacuum Blotter systems.

2.2 Features of the Product

• Manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratories.
• Designed for the Model 785 Vacuum Blotter.
• Adjustable vacuum pressure control.
• Integrated analog vacuum pressure gauge.
• Dedicated vacuum source inlet and blotter outlet connections.
• Front-mounted vacuum adjustment valve.
• Helps maintain controlled vacuum pressure during nucleic acid transfer.
• Compatible with suitable external vacuum sources.
• Supports Southern and Northern blotting procedures.
• Designed for low-vacuum transfer applications.
• Compact and convenient laboratory accessory.
• Supports reproducible vacuum transfer conditions.
• Suitable for molecular biology and biotechnology laboratories.

2.3 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Bio-Rad
Product Name	Vacuum Regulator
Catalog Number	165-5006
Compatible Equipment	Bio-Rad Model 785 Vacuum Blotter
Equipment Category	Vacuum Blotting Accessory
Function	Vacuum Pressure Regulation
Pressure Monitoring	Analog Vacuum Gauge
Vacuum Adjustment	Manual Adjustment Valve
Vacuum Range	0–25 inches of Hg
Recommended Transfer Vacuum	Approximately 5 inches of Hg
Connection Ports	Two
Vacuum Source	External Vacuum Pump or House Vacuum
Tubing Specification	1/2 inch OD × 1/4 inch ID
Liquid Protection	External Liquid Trap Required
Application	DNA and RNA Transfer
Blotting Techniques	Southern and Northern Blotting
Manufacturer	Bio-Rad Laboratories

2.4 Condition

Condition: To be confirmed (Brand New / Refurbished / Used).

The actual equipment condition should be specified according to the available unit. For used or refurbished equipment, the vacuum gauge, adjustment valve, connection ports, seals, and vacuum-holding performance should be inspected before sale.

Important Operating Precautions

• Do not apply vacuum pressure of 25 inches of Hg or higher to the regulator.
• Use a suitable liquid trap between the vacuum blotter and regulator.
• Do not allow liquids or vapours to enter the regulator.
• Check all vacuum tubing connections for airtight sealing.
• Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions for compatible blotting systems.