IBI MINI FlexTubes are typically used for the extraction of proteins, RNA, DNA, or oligonucleotides (>20 nt) from polyacrylamide, agarose, or any other gel matrix in a running buffer.

MINI FlexTubes require a minimum of 0.5 µg of protein at the start of extraction. The maximum size of the gel slice that can be inserted into the MINI FlexTube is 0.4×1.1 cm.

The yield of DNA/RNA recovery from an agarose gel or polyacrylamide gel is 90%. The yield of protein recovery from an SDS-PAGE gel is 70%. The FlexTube membrane is ultra-clean, sulfur- and heavy metal-free, and EDTA treated.

They are also used for dialysis or buffer exchange of small volumes (10 to 250 µl), preparation of protein samples for MALDI-MS, 2D gel dots extraction, and sample concentrations. IBI MINI FlexTubes are tested by using them in the extraction of proteins, RNA, or DNA fragments of various sizes from either agarose or polyacrylamide gels. IBI MINI FlexTube kits are also tested for simple dialysis of salts or buffer exchanges. The quality of the isolated protein, RNA, or DNA fragments, or of the sample after dialysis, is checked by several assays commonly used for proteins, nucleic acids, and dialysis. These devices combine two modes of action, electro-elution of macromolecules from polyacrylamide or agarose gels and buffer exchange of small volume samples. These devices allow rapid run times and high performance in either mode, and extract the macromolecules without contamination.