We are currently using the digestion solution below to digest cells and matrix grown within 2% agarose gels however large pieces of agarose still remain. Any suggestions on how to trouble-shoot or does anyone have any alternative protocols for digesting agarose gels?
125 μg/ml papain (Sigma P 4762)
0.1 M sodium phosphate (NaH2PO4.H20)
5 mM EDTA (C10H16N2O8)
5 mM cysteine hydrochloride
pH 6.5
60 degreesC, overnight digestion with agitation