Searching for the best agarose candidate from genusGracilaria,Eucheuma,Gelidium and local brands

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the potential of local agar of genusGracilaria,Eucheuma,Gelidium and local brandsas an alternative for imported agarose forDNA electrophoresis, and to examine their ability related to separation and migration ofDNA fragments inDNA electrophoresis. Methods:Their performance at various concentrations were compared via an experimental study with a specific brand of imported commercial agarose used in molecular biology research. The measured variables were separation and migration during electrophoresis of a DNA fragment. Results: The local agar genusGracilaria gigas,Gelidium, brand B and brand S could separateDNA fragments at a concentration between 1% and 2%, with an optimum concentration of 2% w/v, as good as a specific brand of imported commercial agarose. Conclusions:Their performance were very close to that of commercial agarose and can still be improved by further agar purification as well as by pH and sulfur control.