Coomassie Blue Staining of SDS-PAGE

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology Protocols >> SDS Gel Electrophoresis and Western blotting Protocol

Purpose: for staining gels that are not used for transferring to monitor protein purification schemes, or for ensuring that no protein is left after transfer

Stain
1x Coomasie Blue Dye
Isopropylalcohol 25% 500mL
Acetic Acid 10% 200mL
R250 Coomasie Blue 0.025% 0.5g
Water 1.3L
Total 2 L

Destain
10% Acetic Acid

- stain at least 4 hours to ensure all the protein is stained
- destain long enough so that the background is clear (a piece of foam or paper towel may be added to the solution to speed up the destaining)
- can stain or destain for long periods as long as there is solution remaining in the plate
- take a picture or dry the gel to keep a record