Staining Proteins in Gels

Abstract This unit describes protocols for detecting proteins in SDS‐polyacrylamide gels. It describes methods for Coomassie blue and silver staining, as well as the fluorescent stains SYPRO orange and red. Staining with Coomassie blue is easier and more rapid; however, silver staining methods are considerably more sensitive and can thus be used to detect smaller amounts of protein. Alternative rapid staining procedures are provided for each method. Fluorescent staining is a popular alternative to the traditional staining procedures, mainly because it is more sensitive than Coomassie staining, and often as sensitive as silver staining.