Bio-Rad Model 111 Mini IEF Cell - Manual (Page 17)

5.3 Destaining (For both Method A and Method B)
First destaining solution:
12% isopropanol or ethanol
7% acetic acid
0.5% CuSO
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Dissolve the cupric sulfate in water before adding the alcohol. Immerse the gel in two or three
500 ml changes of this solution until the background is nearly clear. Gentle agitation and
slight heating will speed the destaining process.
Second destaining solution:
25% isopropanol or ethanol
7% acetic acid
Immerse the gel in this solution to remove the last traces of stain and CuS04.
Note: Prolonged soaking of gels with gel support film backings in acidic solutions may cause
the gel to separate from the backing. Staining and destaining steps should be no longer than 3-4
hours.
5.4 Other Detection Methods
1. Coomassie Blue G-250 “Quick Stain”
This technique is nearly as sensitive as Coomassie blue R-250 staining, but requires no
destaining and will not stain ampholytes. It cannot be used in the presence of detergents,
except urea.
3.5% perchloric acid
0.025% Coomassie blue G-250
Immerse gels in this solution for 1 hour. Place in 7% (v/v) acetic acid for intensification and
preservation.
2. Ultrasensitive Silver Stain
Bio-Rad’s Silver Stain (catalog number 161-0443) is 10 to 50 times more sensitive than
Coomassie blue (see Bulletin 1089) and is compatible with both supported and unsupported
gels.
5.5 Gel Drying and Preservation
Place the destained gel in a dust free area with good ventilation (a fume hood is excellent for
this purpose) and allow the gel to dry overnight at room temperature. Alternatively, the gel can be
carefully dried with a heat gun on a low heat setting. Dried gels can be stored in plastic
photograph holders or taped directly into notebooks (gel side down).
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