Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) need your help protecting themselves from disease-causing bacteria!

• An engaging and accessible introduction to gel electrophoresis
• Safe, non-toxic dyes that are directly visible without gel staining
• Pre-aliquoted samples and premeasured agarose tablets for easy prep
• Gel electrophoresis reagents included: TBE electrophoresis buffer and 8 Agarose Tabs™
• Compatible with Bandit™, blueGel™, and traditional gel electrophoresis systems
• A low-cost jumping-off point to explore microbiology, biotechnology, and molecular identification!

This dye electrophoresis lab offers students a close-up look at the invisible world of microbes that surrounds us. Students work as part of a team of NASA microbiologists to analyze simulated bacterial DNA from the International Space Station (ISS). Before a new crew arrives on station, students must use gel electrophoresis to determine whether a dangerous pathogen lurks before a new crew of astronauts arrives on station. Based on authentic space biotechnology, this lab serves as a fun and engaging introduction to DNA analysis and gel electrophoresis.

Supplied by user:
- Distilled or deionized H₂O (to dissolve TBE buffer)
- Gel electrophoresis system (lab is compatible with Bandit™, blueGel™, or other gel electrophoresis systems)
- Variable volume micropipettes, or fixed-volume minipettes, and tips

Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- Gel electrophoresis system (e.g., Bandit™, blueGel™, or other gel electrophoresis systems)

Storage notes:
- Reagents must be used within 12 months of shipment
- Agarose and buffer can be stored at room temperature
- Refrigeration is recommended for blue dye samples to prevent evaporation