Fluorescent staining of gels

Abstract

Certain transition metal complexes show intensive fluorescence when bound to proteins. They can be used to stain gels after electrophoresis with a sensitivity approaching that of silver staining, but in a much simpler and more reproducible procedure. Stains can be prepared easily and at a fraction of the cost of commercially available reagents. Hydrophobic dyes can be used to stain gels without fixing; they do not interfere with later blotting or electroelution.