AmeriDx® Nucleic Acid Staining Reagent, 100 uL x 2, AG3606-100UL

Description/Introduction

SerRed^TM is a sensitive, stable, and relatively safe fluorescent nucleic acid dye designed to replace the highly toxic ethidium bromide (EtBr) for staining dsDNA, ssDNA or RNA in agarose gels or polyacrylamide gels. The sensitivity of SerRed is much higher than EB, and detaining is not required. SerRed and EB have virtually the same spectral properties.

Storage and Handling Conditions

Shipping at room temperature, storage at room temperature protected from light for two years.

Component

Staining Protocols

Pre-staining Protocol

• Precast agarose gel stain (the same as EB staining, recommended)
• Add SerRed to molten agarose to make 1×final concentration (e.g. add 5 μL of SerRed 10,000 reagent to 50 ml of agarose).
• Due to the high thermal stability, SerRed can be added to hot agarose solution directly and mixes well without waiting for the solution to cool down. It is also optional to add SerRed to agarose powder and electrophoresis buffer, which will be heated by microwave to prepare agarose gel. SerRed is compatible with all commonly used electrophoresis buffers.
• The precast gel staining protocol is not recommended for polyacrylamide gels. Polyacrylamide gels can be stained using the post-staining protocol.
• Dilute SerRed 10.000× stock solution 3,300 fold to make a 3×staining solution.(c.g. add 15 ul SerRed 10000× reagent into 50 ml H₂O).
• Place the gel carefully into an appropriate container, such as a polypropylene container. Add a sufficient amount of the 3×staining solution slowly to submerge the gel. Shake gently at room temperature for about 30 minutes for staining. The optimal staining time may vary depending on gel thickness and agarose concentration. For 3.5%-10% polyacrylamide gel, the staining time is usually in the range of 30 minutes to 1 hour and extends with the increase of acrylamide concentration.
• More dye will be used by post-staining protocol. The 3× SerRed staining solution can be used about 3 times repeatedly. The 3×SerRed staining solution can be prepared in large quantities and should be stored at room temperature away from light until it is used up.

Post-staining Protocol

• Dilute SerRed 10.000× stock solution 3,300 fold to make a 3×staining solution.(c.g. add 15 ul SerRed 10000× reagent into 50 ml H₂O).
• Place the gel carefully into an appropriate container, such as a polypropylene container. Add a sufficient amount of the 3×staining solution slowly to submerge the gel. Shake gently at room temperature for about 30 minutes for staining. The optimal staining time may vary depending on gel thickness and agarose concentration. For 3.5%-10% polyacrylamide gel, the staining time is usually in the range of 30 minutes to 1 hour and extends with the increase of acrylamide concentration.
• More dye will be used by post-staining protocol. The 3× SerRed staining solution can be used about 3 times repeatedly. The 3×SerRed staining solution can be prepared in large quantities and should be stored at room temperature away from light until it is used up.