Can I prepare my protein sample with the reducing agent and store it for future use?
DTT is not stable, so it must be added and the reduction performed just prior to loading your samples.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Gel 1D Electrophoresis Support Center.
My LDS or SDS sample buffer precipitates when stored at 4 degrees C. Can I warm it up? Can I store it at room temperature?
Precipitation of the LDS or SDS at 4 degrees C is normal. Bring the buffer to room temperature and mix until the LDS/SDS goes into solution. If you do not want to wait for it to dissolve, you can store the sample buffer at room temperature.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Gel 1D Electrophoresis Support Center.
What does it mean when bands appear to be getting narrower (or "funneling") as they progress down a protein gel?
There may be too much beta-mercaptoethanol (BME), sample buffer salts, or dithiothreitol (DTT) in your samples. If the proteins are over-reduced, they can be negatively charged and actually repel each other across the lanes causing the bands to get narrower as they progress down the gel.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Protein Electrophoresis and Western Blotting Support Center.