PolyacrylamidGele

Polyacrylamide gels, known in German contexts as Polyacrylamidgele, are transparent, water-swollen polymer networks formed from polyacrylamide. They serve as a matrix for electrophoretic separation of biomolecules, most notably DNA fragments and proteins. The gel is typically formed by polymerizing acrylamide monomer with a small amount of crosslinker, such as N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide. Polymerization is usually initiated by an initiator system (for example ammonium persulfate in combination with TEMED). The resulting gel provides a porous structure whose pore size is controlled by the acrylamide concentration, commonly in the range of roughly 3 to 20% for different separation needs.

Gels can be used under denaturing or native conditions. Denaturing PAGE employs agents such as urea for nucleic acids or SDS for proteins to unfold samples and achieve size-based separation with a relatively uniform charge-to-mass ratio. Native PAGE preserves more of the molecule’s structure and interactions, providing different separation criteria. In practice, gels are cast between glass plates with a comb to form wells, loaded with samples, and subjected to an electric field. Smaller molecules migrate faster through the gel matrix. Visualization typically involves staining: DNA is seen with intercalating dyes like ethidium bromide or SYBR Green, while proteins are visualized using Coomassie or silver stains.

Safety considerations are important: acrylamide monomer is toxic and a potential carcinogen; proper handling, ventilation, and waste disposal are essential. Once polymerized, gels pose fewer hazards but should still be treated with appropriate precautions. Polyacrylamide gels are a staple in molecular biology for high-resolution separation of small biomolecules and subsequent analyses.