Alternatives to boiling SDS-PAGE samples - (Jul/02/2008 )

I want to boil my samples (containing Laemli sample buffer + b-mercaptoethanol) at 100 degrees Celsius for 5minutes. But the cap of the microtube pops open above 95degrees (and I lose my sample). Does anyone have alternative ideas or solutions? I heard of a cover that can be clamped down on your microtubes to prevent the lids from opening, but I can't find it and don't know what it's called. Does anyone know where I can get one?
If this subject has already been covered in another post, please let me know. I didn't have time to finsih checking them all.

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I know what you're talking about because we used to use them for boiling radioactive probes, but I don't know what they're called either. Perhaps you would find them in a labware catalog with the other radioactive stuff. An alterative would be to buy microfuge tubes that have a lock on them, I've seen these also, or you could try to parafilm your tubes before you boil them.

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You could always just buy 1.5ml microcentrifuge tubes with screw-cap tops. That's what I use and they never pop off. I've never tried parafilm, but it might get too hot and melt onto your tubes.

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Check the first link, there is a company address:
http://search.vadlo.com/b/q?sn=158621799&a...locks&rel=0
..

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You could try a heating block to 100 C. That's worked for me in the past. Parafilm gets messy, but works.

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We occasionally get them from sales reps for molly bolly products. I think they're called locking clips or centrifuge tube clips. The one I'm looking at right now has "ISS" stamped into it.

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Try piercing the cap with fine sharp needle this will allow steam to escape and cap would not pop out. works for us.

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Safe lock 1,5ml tubes from a well-known brand don't pop up.

Parafilm melted down for me
What i did to prevent that was putting my ice box over the eppis, so they never popped up.

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here is one source of tube locks:

usa scientific

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