Electrophoresis-staining apparatus for DNA agarose gels with solution exchange and image acquisition

Agarose gel electrophoresis is routinely used for the separation of nucleic acids. Gels are developed, stained, and visualized using dedicated equipment and reagents. Manufacturers have developed instrumentation with advanced features that provide good safety and user-friendly operation. However, the process of size fractionation of nucleic acids by horizontal gel electrophoresis by dye staining may be cumbersome and unsafe due to many steps and harmful chemicals. Here is reported a safe, inexpensive, time-saving, and comprehensive apparatus for gel electrophoresis, staining, and imaging. This newly modified apparatus has simple operation and uses existing equipment and off-the-shelf components for easy construction in the laboratory. The apparatus has been shown to perform agarose horizontal gel electrophoresis and associated techniques with ease and simplicity.