Simplified techniques for elution of proteins from polyacrylamide gel, staining, destaining, and isoelectric focusing

A simple and rapid electrophoretic method for the simultaneous elution of proteins in high yields from polyacrylamide gel slabs is described. The apparatus is simple and easily constructed. The method involves vertical elution from a horizontally placed gel across its thickness into buffer-soaked polyurethane foam. Even the slow-moving, high-molecular-weight protein ferritin is eluted in 1 h. The technique can also be used for rapid destaining as well as for simultaneous staining and destaining of the polyacrylamide gel which are completed in 15 and 30 min, respectively. Polyurethane foam strips have also been used to simplify the preparative isoelectric focusing technique and the subsequent elution of protein bands, obviating the need for Ultrodex, fractionating grid, sample applicator, and elution columns.