In molecular biology laboratories, the agarose gel electrophoresis is used on a daily basis in order to separate nucleic acid molecules. The agarose is a polimere of elevated cost. The goal of the present work consisted in the optimization of a protocole of agarose recycling, transforming it, once again, into a powdery material similar to the original, after performing the decontamination of Ethidium bromide, allowing its reuse in analitycal electrophoresis. The process, originally proposed by PALACIOS et al. (2000) receveid modifications and consisted in balancing the agarose in water, drying and milling it. The recycled agarose resembled the original, presenting slightly bigger and darker granules. The recycled agarose was avaliable for imediate use, being storegeable at room temperature, for wide periods of time and taking up very few space. It is fit for the manufacturing of analytical gels of the widest brand of concentrations and buffer compositions. Besides, recycling also contributes to the diminution of solid waste disposed in the enviroment and results in significant reduction of costs. The manufaturing of gels took place in a similar way as with the original product, not recquiring any aditional procedure. The recycled gels showed similar performance in electrophoresis and allowed and adequate resolution of bands.
electrophoresis; gellic matrix; process improvement