Linear polyacrylamide as an alternative to glycogen carrier

[Dietmar Tietz]

On 23 Sep 1994, Frances Hannan wrote:

> Duncan at genesys.demon.co.uk (Duncan Clark) writes:
> 
> >My only query is how toxic is acrylamide when polymerised (without bis 
> >acrylamide). Linear polyacrylamide is made by polymerising a 5% acrylamide 
> >solution in 40mM Tris, 20mM Na acetate, 1mM EDTA pH7.8 together with 
> >1/100 vol of 10% ammonium persulphate and 1/1000 vol. TEMED. When the 
> >solution becomes viscous (about 15-30mins) ppt polymer with 2.5volumes 
> >EtOH, centrifuge and redissolve pellet in 20 vol. water O/N. Use 10ul 
> >(25ug) per EtOH pptation. It works great and is inert, unlike glycogen, 
> >but is it nasty? Anyone know?
> 
> My guess is that since it's polymerised it's OK. It's the UNpolymerised 
> stuff that we have to watch out for.
> 
> -- 
> Frances Hannan                                       
> BILMS, Zoology, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK   
> Phone (0223)336663, FAX (0223)461954                 
> flh at mole.bio.cam.ac.uk                               
> 
> 
                             W A R N I N G

The polymerization efficiency will probably not exceed 95%.  So you
will still have toxic monomers in solution which have to be removed,
i.e., by dialysis.  This is also the reason why one should not touch
polyacrylamide gels.  Acrylamide is a cumulative neurotoxine. One should
also beware of its dust when preparing mixtures.


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*           Dietmar Tietz, Ph.D.,  Research Scientist            *
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