Elimination of the fixing step in sequencing

[Hinayana Bawagan]

    Some of my labmates would skip the fixing step (1 hour, 5% acetic
acid, 15% methanol) and proceed to drying when they were short of time.
Most of the time the gel would not be sticky but occasionally the 
problem would arise.  My labmates would say its a matter of luck.  
    If the fixation step could be done away with (which cuts down on
our hazardous waste), is there a way to ensure that the gels would always
be good?


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You dont specify whether your fixing sequencing gels  and which Isotope.

We use 32P in our sequencing gels and we stopped fixing the gels several years ago.  If after drying, the gels are still tacky (which is v.rare) I cover them with cling-film\Saran wrap before putting down with the film.

This works very well.

Adrian Jenkins

Jenkins at uk.ac.nibsc.comp