Chapter title |
Spicy SDS-PAGE Gels: Curcumin/Turmeric as an Environment-Friendly Protein Stain.
|
---|---|
Chapter number | 51 |
Book title |
Protein Electrophoresis
|
Published in |
Methods in molecular biology, May 2012
|
DOI | 10.1007/978-1-61779-821-4_51 |
Pubmed ID | |
Book ISBNs |
978-1-61779-820-7, 978-1-61779-821-4
|
Authors |
Kurien BT, Dorri Y, Scofield RH, Biji T. Kurien, Yaser Dorri, R. Hal Scofield |
Abstract |
Gel proteins are commonly stained with calorimetric/fluorescent dyes. Here, we demonstrate that heat-solubilized curcumin can serve as a nontoxic and environment-friendly fluorescent/colorimetric reversible protein stain. Curcumin, the yellow pigment found in the rhizomes of the perennial herb Curcuma longa (turmeric), is insoluble in aqueous solvents. However, heat (100°C) solubilization in water renders 1.5% of curcumin soluble. Curcumin solubilized by ethanol or alkali is ineffective in staining proteins. Heat solubilized curry spice turmeric stains proteins similarly. Staining is achieved in 30 min, with a sensitivity almost equaling that of Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB). Destaining is not required, and excess curcumin/turmeric can be discarded into the sink. Binding of proteins by silver inhibits curcumin binding, suggesting similarity of protein binding by silver and curcumin. It costs $1.5-2.0 to stain a mini-gel with curcumin, while turmeric costs less than 0.005 cent. CBB staining/destaining costs about 2 cents. However, CBB is toxic and its use necessitates specialized disposal efforts. Curcumin/turmeric, thus, can serve as an ideal nontoxic protein stain. |
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