Description

Like Coomassie Blue, only simpler
AcquaStain is a one-step, Coomassie-style protein gel stain that eliminates the usual pre-washes and destaining. Just run your gel, add AcquaStain, and bands begin to appear within seconds. No post-treatment needed.

AcquaStain is also a safer, easier alternative to many traditional dyes. It contains no harsh acids or hazardous components and is designed for straightforward disposal after use. Because it’s water-based, gels show no noticeable shrinkage or wrinkling, and proteins recovered from AcquaStain-stained gels remain fully compatible with mass spectrometry.

One step, about 10 minutes
Many “fast” staining systems rely on expensive equipment or sacrifice band clarity to save time. AcquaStain delivers speed and clean results without any external apparatus. Typical gels can be stained in about 10 minutes, and you can leave gels in the stain longer (even overnight) without worrying about over-staining.

You get strong sensitivity with a crystal-clear gel background, so bands stand out sharply. AcquaStain is a teal, precipitate-free solution, and no shaking is required before use.

Protocol for Mass spectrometry:

1. Cut out protein band and place in microfuge tube
2. Add 1 ml 30% ethanol or 30% acetone (30% acetic acid may be used but will result in acetylation of N-terminus).
3. Incubate for 30 minutes.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all stain removed from protein (typically 2 or 3 washes are required for complete stain removal)
5. Process as typical for mass spec analysis.

Ideal for teaching labs
AcquaStain makes it easy to run and stain gels within a standard lab class period, making it a great fit for teaching environments where time, simplicity, and consistent results matter.

Documents

• Protocol
• SDS Sheet

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Specifications

• Contents: 1x 1000 mL bottle of liquid stain
• Toxicity: Non-toxic (water-based)
• Detection Limit: Down to 10 ng of protein
• Protocol Steps: 1 step
• Protocol Time: 2 minute stain time (down to 1 µg); 10 minute stain time (down to 100 ng); 60 minute stain time (down to 10 ng)
• Suitable for Gel Drying: Yes
• Suitable for Mass Spectrometry: Yes
• Reusable: Yes. Up to 3 times.
• Storage: 1 year at 4°C