How can I extract DNA from a polyacrylamide (PAGE) gel?

The QIAEX II and QIAquick Gel Extraction Kit can be used to extract DNA from polyacrylamide gels.

The QIAEX II Handbook contains a protocol for Polyacrylamide Gel Extraction. A specialized User-Developed Protocol (QQ05) is available when using the QIAquick Gel Extraction Kit for this purpose.

Both protocols require the preparation of a diffusion buffer and a disposable plastic column or syringe barrel containing a Whatman GF/C filter or siliconized glass wool. To ensure optimal diffusion, cut the gel slices as small as possible, and use 2 volumes of diffusion buffer per 1 volume of gel. Increasing incubation time (protocol step 3) may result in higher yields.