polüakrülamiidgeele

Polyacrylamide gels are cross-linked polymers formed from acrylamide monomers. They are widely used in various scientific fields, particularly in biochemistry and molecular biology, for the separation of molecules based on size and charge. The polymerization process typically involves acrylamide and a cross-linking agent, such as N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, in the presence of a free radical initiator. The resulting gel matrix forms a porous network.

The properties of polyacrylamide gels, such as pore size and rigidity, can be precisely controlled by adjusting the concentrations of acrylamide and the cross-linker. Higher acrylamide concentrations result in smaller pore sizes, which are suitable for separating smaller molecules. Conversely, lower concentrations create larger pores for the separation of larger molecules. These gels are often used in techniques like gel electrophoresis, where an electric field is applied to drive charged molecules through the gel matrix. Different gel formulations, such as native PAGE and SDS-PAGE, are employed to separate molecules under various conditions. Native PAGE separates proteins based on their native charge and size, while SDS-PAGE separates proteins primarily based on their molecular weight after denaturation. Polyacrylamide gels are also utilized in chromatography and as matrices for enzyme immobilization.