Tris Acetate-EDTA buffer, 1 L, suitable for electrophoresis

Tris Acetate-EDTA buffer has been used as run buffer for the agarose gel electrophoresis of human papillomavirus DNA[1] and transcribed RNA samples.[2]

TAE running buffer is the most commonly used buffer for DNA agarose gel electrophoresis but is also used for non-denaturing RNA agarose gel electrophoresis. Double-stranded DNA tends to run faster in TAE than in other buffers but can also become exhausted during extended electrophoresis. Buffer circulation or buffer replacement during extended electrophoresis can remedy the lower buffering capacity. Dilution of the concentrated TAE buffer produces a 1× TAE buffer with 40 mM Tris-acetate and 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.3. The 1× TAE buffer is used both in the agarose gel and as a running buffer. Applied voltages of less than 5 V/cm (distance between the electrodes of the unit) are recommended for maximum resolution.