Electrophoresis of DNA fragments in gels from acrylamide-rich copolymers

Two polyacrylamide-rich, non-toxic, gelable copolymers have been developed to facilitate the formation of user-cast electrophoresis gels. Gel formation is accomplished with dithiothreitol as the chemical cross-linking agent. The higher molecular weight copolymer is suitable for casting gels of copolymer concentration less than or equal to 8%. Gels of 3% concentration are excellent for resolving dsDNA fragments up to approximately 3000 base pairs. Because the cross-linking chemistry is not thwarted by the presence of urea, it is also possible to cast denaturing gels with these copolymers.