CometAssay 96-well Electrophoresis Starter Kit

The Comet assay, or single cell gel electrophoresis assay, provides a simple and effective method for evaluating DNA damage in cells. The principle of the assay is based upon the ability of denatured, cleaved DNA fragments to migrate out of the nucleoid under the influence of an electric field, whereas undamaged DNA migrates slower and remains within the confines of the nucleoid when a current is applied. Evaluation of the DNA “comet” tail shape and migration pattern allows for assessment of DNA damage. The general Comet assay protocol includes first immobilizing cells in a bed of low melting point agarose, gently lysing the cells, treating cells with neutral or alkali solutions to unwind and denature the DNA as well as hydrolyze sites of damage. DNA is then subjected to electrophoresis and stained with a fluorescent DNA intercalating dye.

CometAssay 96-well Electrophoresisis Starter Kit is designed to eliminate known causes of comet assay variability and provide a highthroughput method for assessing DNA damage. It provides an exclusive 96-well CometSlide that is specially treated to promote adherence of low melting point agarose. This eliminates the time consuming and unreliable traditional method of preparing base layers of agarose. The use of 96-well CometSlide High Throughput shortens the overall assay time and allows for the rapid and reliable analysis of large numbers of samples.

The complete and standardized system for the comet assay includes a 96 test sample Reagent Kit (1 x 96 well slide), Alkaline Control Cells, and the CometAssay Electrophoresis System II for consistent and reproducible results. Each lot of the Alkaline Control Cells, reagents and CometSlides are tested and qualified for use in the CometAssay ES II.