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Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Plasmid Stability Analysis with Open-Source Droplet Microfluidics
Published on: December 27, 2024
Sustainable Methodologies for Efficient Gel Electrophoresis and Streamlined Screening of Difficult Plasmids
Nadeem Asad1,2, Emily Smith1,3,4,5, Sudeep Shakya1
1Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
Abstract:
We describe a workflow for efficient, environmentally attentive, and sustainable practices related to routine agarose gel electrophoresis. The methods reduce plastic waste and improve efficiency, especially for the exhaustive screening of difficult-to-obtain plasmids. Sustainability is increased when agarose is used ten times over by virtue of a thorough recycling regimen. The workflow optimizes workspaces and standardizes lab practices for handling potentially hazardous waste, minimizing environmental harm. Safety, efficiency, and sustainability improve laboratory productivity, help minimize environmental contamination, and increase cost-effectiveness.

