UNIT 8.9 Staining Proteins in Gels

Abstract

This unit describes protocols for detecting protein in a gel by either Coomassie blue, silver or fluorescent staining. Alternate rapid staining procedures are provided for each method and a support protocol describes how to photograph stained gels. Fluorescent staining (e.g., with SYPRO Orange or Red) is described as a popular alternative to traditional staining procedures, mainly because it is more sensitive than Coomassie staining, and often as sensitive as silver staining. Staining of proteins in SDS-polyacrylamide gels is described, and an alternate protocol details variations in the procedure for proteins in nondenaturing gels. A final support protocol describes the photography of fluorescently stained proteins.