Knight:NuPAGE electrophoresis/Gel drying

Overview
A procedure for drying and preserving a polyacrylamide gel.

Materials

 * Gel drying solution
 * 20% ethanol
 * 10% glycerol
 * Gel drying frames from Diversified Biotech
 * Cellophane sheets from Diversified Biotech

Procedure

 * 1) Equilibrate gel in gel drying solution for at least 30 mins.
 * 2) *Reduces gel swelling and results in a more flexible dried gel.
 * 3) Place two cellophane sheets in water for 1-2 mins.
 * 4) *Cellophane may appear cloudy but will clear upon drying.
 * 5) Lay one sheet of cellophane on solid back plate, beveled edge down. Avoid air bubbles.
 * 6) Place gel on cellophane. Avoid air bubbles.
 * 7) *Air bubbles can cause cracking.
 * 8) Pipet 1-2 mLs of gel drying solution on top of gel.
 * 9) Layer a second wet sheet of cellophane on top of gel. Match edges with edges of back plate.  Roll cellophane from bottom of gel towards the wells helps avoid air bubbles.
 * 10) Place open frame over stack, bevelled edge up. Match edges of back plate.  Frame should cover all edges of cellophane.
 * 11) Attach plastic clips to all four sides.
 * 12) Leave assembly to dry horizontally for at least 2 days.
 * 13) Remove clips and pry apart assembly.
 * 14) Peel dried gel/cellophane sandwich from back plate.
 * 15) Trim off excess cellophane immediately to avoid curling.