Interesting Facts about Electrophoresis

Interesting Facts about Electrophoresis

Overview

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  • Source: ABDOS Life Sciences

  • Date: 01 Aug,2021

It may surprise many to learn that electrophoresis technique was first developed for use by scientists’ way back in 1807. Since then, researchers, chemists, and technicians have utilized electrophoresis to separate different charged particles with the use of an electric field. This can be used in the analysis of everything from DNA samples to pesticides and environmental pollutants. Over the last couple of centuries, the process has become more and more sophisticated and advancements are frequently being made.

Trouble shooting Electrophoresis

How to minimize foaming of gel while preparing agarose for electrophoresis?

When preparing agarose for electrophoresis, it is a better practice to sprinkle the agarose into room-temperature buffer, swirl, and let it sit at least for 1 min before microwaving. This allows the agarose to hydrate first, which minimizes foaming during heating.

How to create a sharper band in agarose gel electrophoresis?

Loading the DNA in the smallest possible volume will result in sharper bands.

How do we preserve DNA in agarose gels for long-term storage?

You can preserve DNA in agarose gels for long-term storage by using 70% ethyl alcohol (Ethanol).

Why can’t we put too much buffer cover on the gel?

Migration of DNA may get retarded and band distortion can occur when too much buffer covers the gel. The slower migration results from a reduced voltage gradient across the agarose gel.

Why is there a need to control the temperature of gel electrophoresis?

Electrophoresing a gel that is “too hot” can cause the DNA to denature in the gel. It can also cause the agarose gel to deform. Cool the gel with a small fan during the electrophoresis.

What is the minimum amount of DNA detectable by Et.Br. (ethidium bromide)?

The minimum amount of DNA detectable by Et.Br. on a 3-mm-thick gel and a 5-mm-wide lane is 1 ng. Do not exceed 50 ng of DNA per band on a 3-mm-thick gel and 5-mm-wide lane.

Does the buffer composition affect the resolution of DNA?

Electrophoresis buffer can affect the resolution of DNA. TAE (Tris-Acetate-EDTA) buffer provides better resolution of fragments >4 kb, while TBE (Tris-Borate-EDTA) buffer provides better resolution of 0.1- to 3-kb fragments. In addition, use TBE buffer when electrophoresing >150 V and use TAE buffer with supercoiled DNA for ultimate results.

ABDOS-Creating for Life Science

Abdos Life Sciences has a wide range of Horizontal and Vertical Gel Electrophoresis systems of different gel sizes and suitable digital power supply along with Microprocessor based power supply for more accuracy and smooth operation. These products are CE certified for assured quality and durability.

ABDOS has a range of Mini Horizontal Units, Midi Horizontal Units, Maxi Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems, Vertical Dual Mini Gel System, Vertical Midi Gel System, Vertical Dual Midi Gel System & Digital model and Microprocessor based Power Supplies. Most ABDOS electrophoresis units have small foot print to accommodate in to any life science laboratory.

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