For security reasons, you will be logged out in 4 minutesCannot be added!Your basket contains a blocked quote and must be finalised before you can order other items.Add to basket...Item added to basket
Express
orderBasket0
KnowledgeCatalogs
Services & supportInfo & Contact

Electrophoresis reagents for DNA, RNA and proteins: how can biomolecule separation and visualisation be ensured?

At the heart of every successful separation: a well-controlled gel and the right buffer. Our selection of electrophoresis reagents covers analysis of nucleic acids and proteins: high-resolution agarose, precast gels (NA and PAGE), size markers/ladders, IEF strips (isoelectric focusing), stains/fluorophores, buffers TAE (Tris–Acetate–EDTA)/TBE (Tris–Borate–EDTA), Tris-Glycine, MOPS(3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid)/MES(2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid) and key additives (SDS sodium dodecyl sulphate, DTT dithiothreitol, urea). Formulated for reproducibility, safety and performance, they accelerate your workflows – from PCR checks to complex protein profiling.

Which electrophoresis reagents should you choose, and for which application?

For DNA/RNA, choose agarose—standard for routine applications—or low EEO/high-resolution grades for fine fragment separation, with concentrations between 0.7 and 3% depending on fragment size. Specialty agaroses can be used for certain specific applications. TAE (fast migration, easy recovery) or TBE (better resolution of small fragments, higher buffering capacity) guide the choice of running system; SB (sodium borate) can be used for rapid, high-voltage runs on agarose gels in targeted workflows.
For proteins, PAGE gels (Laemmli, Bis-Tris, gradients), especially in pre-cast formats, improve reproducibility and limit the handling of unpolymerised acrylamide. In IEF, IPG strips provide immobilised and reproducible pH gradients, while carrier ampholytes are used as support reagents.
For DNA/RNA detection, prioritise non-mutagenic alternatives to EtBr according to your imaging system (e.g., SYBR® Safe, GelRed®, EmeralDye™). For proteins, use Coomassie or silver staining depending on the sensitivity required. Size markers (DNA/RNA/proteins) act as migration references.

Key criteria: analyte size or charge, sensitivity, imaging compatibility (UV or blue light), safety and environmental considerations.

TypePrincipleApplications
AgaroseSeparation of DNA/RNA by fragment size under native conditionsPCR check, cloning, genotyping, NGS library QC
PAGE (SDS/native)Separation of proteins by molecular mass (SDS) or conformation/charge (native)Protein profiling, purity analysis, molecular mass estimation
IEF (IPG)Separation of proteins by isoelectric point (pI) on an immobilised pH gradientProteomics, 2D-PAGE, isoform analysis

In which applications are these reagents for electrophoresis used?

• Life sciences: control of PCR, cloning, genotyping, QC of NGS libraries.
• Pharma/biotech: characterisation of bioprocesses, purity and aggregate analysis by SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF) of antibodies.
• Agri-food: DNA traceability, GMO detection, allergen protein testing.
• Environment: environmental DNA (eDNA) fingerprinting, biomarkers, contamination monitoring.
• Cosmetics/chemistry: peptide/protein analysis, QC of raw materials.
• Education/R&D: teaching demonstrations, protocol optimisation.
• Quality control: lot verification and inter-batch comparisons with markers and precast gels for excellent reproducibility.

Available electrophoresis reagents and consumables

Frequently asked questions about electrophoresis reagents

What’s the difference between TAE and TBE for DNA?
TAE gives faster runs and makes recovery easier; TBE delivers superior resolution of small fragments and longer-lasting buffering.

What agarose percentage should I use?
0.7–1% for large fragments; 1.2–1.5% for 0.5–3 kb; 2–3% for small fragments. Adjust for the run speed you want and the resolution you need.

Are precast gels worth it?
Yes when you need reproducibility, time savings and safer handling. Ideal for quality control (QC) and regulated environments.

How can I improve protein detection sensitivity?
Use Coomassie G-250 for speed, silver staining for ultra-high sensitivity, or fluorescent dyes if you have a compatible imaging system.

EtBr or alternatives?
Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is a very sensitive DNA stain but it is mutagenic and requires UV visualisation, with safety and waste-management implications. Non-mutagenic alternatives are available and should be chosen according to the excitation mode and your imaging system. Green-emitting dyes such as SYBR® Safe work with blue-light excitation, enabling UV-free visualisation and limiting DNA damage. Red-emitting dyes such as GelRed® offer excellent sensitivity but are mainly excited by UV. Newer options, like EmeralDye™ (OwiBio), combine the best of both: high sensitivity, compatibility with blue- or green-light excitation, and improved user safety, while remaining suitable for downstream applications (extraction, cloning, NGS). Where possible, prefer EtBr alternatives, taking into account the sensitivity required and the imaging setup you have.

How do I choose a size marker?
Pick a ladder that covers your range; use pre-stained versions for PAGE if needed; and make sure it matches your detection system (UV/fluorescence).

Tips for IEF with IPG strips?
Rehydrate properly, use appropriate ampholytes, avoid overheating, and store IPG strips protected from moisture and repeated freeze–thaw cycles.