Inactivation of all RNAse from equipment?

[LVI]

Hi all,
I need to run a few RNA gels. I've got all buffers, gels etc. RNAse-free, with one exception... I only have an electrophesis cell that has been used extensively for DNA work and which must be regarded as highly contaminated with RNAses. Is there any way of inacivating RNAses on equipment like that?
Like soaking in NaOH, HCl, DEPC?

best regards,
Lasse

[Topaz2]

Dear LVI,
hi! welcome to this foruM!

To decontaminate surfaces and inactivate RNAses you can either:

Buy commercial solutions such as: Ambion's RNaseZap, or RNase OFF


- or use a mild solution of bleach or NaOH

Using detergent solutions used commonly for soaking and cleaning glassware will not be as effective as these using commercial solution or mild bleach/NaOH.

DO NOT USE Detergent solutions

- these soaps or detergents can actually make the problem even worse, since detergents spread the RNase contamination over a much wider area.

DEPC water will do nothing....as you cant autoclave the equipement
also DEPC is both expensive and may be also carcinogenic.