Slab gel destaining method

Claim 1

A process of destaining stained slab gel comprising the steps of: (a) providing a destaining apparatus comprising in combination (i) a hollow housing having a height along its vertical axis equal to or less than its length and width thereby forming relatively short end walls, said end walls being provided with a plurality of apertures; (ii) stain absorbing material means disposed within said housing; (iii) means positioned to cover said apertures for preventing said stain absorbing material means from leaving said housing means while permitting destaining liquid to freely flow therethrough and; (iv) a fluid containing means comprising a base and having a length and width sufficient to contain therein the slab to be destained when said slab is laid flat upon the base thereof, said fluid containing means having a depth sufficient to permit destaining fluid to cover said slab, and further being of sufficient size to contemporaneously accomodate said slab and said housing when said housing is set therein having its vertical axis perpendicular to the base of said fluid containing means; (b) placing the slab gel to be destained upon the base of said fluid containing means, (c) providing sufficient destaining fluid to said fluid containing means to cover said slab, (d) agitating said fluid containing means whereby the destaining fluid is caused to circulate through the stain absorbing material in the housing until all unreacted stain has been removed from said stained slab gel.