DNA Visualization Using Silver Stain

[galgur]

Hi,
im looking into alternatives to ethidium bromide staining my DNA polyacrylamide gels.

Partly the reason for this is the safety of issues of ethidium, but the major reason is sensitivity and detection issues in polyacrylamide gels.

Anybody here used silver staining for DNA in polyacrylimade gels?

There are kits ie Bio-Rad that can detect protein and DNA.

They claim detecting up to nanogram amounts sensitivity....

What is the sensitivity of EtBr for DNA detection? From what i remember it is able to detect about 10 ng? (is this right)?


thanks

[mousakeyhan]

i use silver staining more than ethidium bromide staining , i think silver stain is more sensetive and i can control sharpness of bands by control the time and make it stop by washing after detection of bands.
on the other hand there is a problem still, silver solution and powder making colored benches. i wish somebody help me and tell how i can clean the brown color benches after tests.