Loading dyes for DNA agarose gels are traditionally xylene cyanol and bromphenol blue. In a slightly whimsical weekend experiment I tested some food dyes whether they would work as replacements in DIY Bio DNA electrophoresis. These dyes are supposedly non-toxic (which is sometimes debated but without a final verdict yet) and easy to obtain. Thanks to Jelena Aleksic for donations from her Sugarflair food colours box.

Continue reading →