Solarbio Agarose (Low Melting Gel)

Product Information

• CAS: 9012-36-6
• English Name: Agarose (Low Melting Gel)
• Grade: Biotech Grade
• Unit: Bottle
• Appearance: White Powder
• Storage: RT (Room Temperature)
• Validity Period: 4 years
• Specification: 2.5g, 5g, 100g

Important Notes on Agarose Dissolution and Coagulation

Proper heating is essential for the complete dissolution and coagulation of agarose. Here are the recommended steps for preparing agarose gels correctly:

1. Quick Dissolution: Agarose dissolves quickly when heated.
2. Hydration in Buffers: Agarose does not dissolve directly in TAE or TBE buffers. Upon heating, agarose particles hydrate and form a solution. The hydration process is time-dependent, and the points of hydration vary for different agaroses. Due to its high purity and ultrafine particles, agarose is ideal for electrophoresis. It hydrates faster than other types, so prolonged boiling can lead to overly thick gels that are difficult to mix and prone to breaking.
3. Melting and Gel Temperatures:
   • Melting Point Range: 62-68℃
   • Gel Temperature (1.0%): 24-29℃

Agarose Gel Preparation (1% Concentration with 1×TBE Solution)

1. Preparation: Use a conical flask with a volume 2-4 times that of the gel liquid. Slowly add agarose to the buffer while stirring to prevent clumping. Record the total weight of the flask and solution.
2. Initial Heating: Microwave on high for 30 seconds, adjusting the time based on the solution’s volume. Heating time varies with the microwave, flask size, and agarose concentration.
3. Mixing: Shake the agarose solution.
4. Second Heating: Microwave again on high for 30 seconds, then shake.
5. Boiling: Microwave on high until boiling (about 10-35 seconds). Use caution to prevent burns as agarose may boil violently when moved. Let it cool at room temperature for 1-2 minutes, shaking gently to release bubbles.
6. Final Heating: Microwave on high until boiling for about 15 seconds. Observe the solution; if particles remain, repeat this step until all crystals dissolve.
7. Reweigh and Adjust: After complete dissolution, reweigh the flask and solution. Add water to match the original weight and mix well.
8. Pouring the Gel: Pour the gel when the liquid cools to 50-55℃ for uniform gel aperture and to avoid damaging the gel apparatus. Shake gently to release the remaining bubbles.
9. Setting the Gel: Pour the gel into the mold, ensuring a thickness of 3-5mm. Eliminate any bubbles between comb holes or at the bottom. Allow it to set at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Preparing Different Gel Concentrations and Volumes

1. Mixing: Shake the gel solution at least twice before boiling.
2. Observing: After boiling, check the solution’s state every 10-15 seconds (interval depends on concentration and volume).

Note: Product information may be updated. Please refer to the actual label for the most accurate details.