Hi all,
I just ran a gel electrophoresis that shows a bubble shape in the bands of the ladder. No other row had this shape, and I haven't seen it before. What causes this? Is there anything that can be done to fix that?
(I'm familiar with the crescent shape and have been making changes to fix that - lower voltage, lower sample volume, etc!)
Thank you for your help!
examine the gel carefully.The usual reason for this effect is an air bubble in the matrix of the gel causing the dna to flow round it and so slowing just that bit of dna down compared with the rest of the band of dna
examine the gel carefully.The usual reason for this effect is an air bubble in the matrix of the gel causing the dna to flow round it and so slowing just that bit of dna down compared with the rest of the band of dna
- Poor quality gel - Bubbles and particles in the gel. Mix and pour all gel preparation solutions carefully to avoid formation of bubbles. Degas the gel enough.
- Try to decrease your voltage. There might be issue with heating of gel as i see curved bands. I also think you need to decrease your sample loading amount.
- Electrophoresis buffer was too warm. Use cold electrophoresis buffer.
- Make sure the gel wells are completely covered with buffer.
I agree with Paul. When you see the bubble during preparation of the gel just take a pippet tip and displace it (bubble) to the bottom of the gel.
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