Choosing the Optimal Gel Cassette: Glass vs. Plastic

01 Glass Plates: High-Precision Performance

Key Advantages

• Low Protein Adsorption: Smooth, chemically inert surface prevents nonspecific binding, ensuring maximum protein entry and sharp bands—especially helpful when selecting separation conditions such as Native PAGE vs SDS-PAGE.
• Superior Imaging Clarity: High optical transparency provides a clean background for accurate analysis and publication-quality images.
• Dimensional Stability: Structural rigidity prevents warping or "bowing," eliminating sample leakage during pipetting and reducing the risk of run artifacts linked to uneven heating discussed in SDS-PAGE overheating prevention.
• Easy Gel Removal: Simple separation process reduces the risk of tearing delicate gels post-run.

Limitations: Higher initial cost and requires careful handling to avoid breakage.

02 Plastic Plates: Budget-Friendly Alternative

Key Characteristics

• Cost-Effective: Lower unit price makes them suitable for routine high-throughput screening or educational labs.
• Durability: Lightweight and shatter-resistant, simplifying shipping and handling.

Common Issues

• Deformation Risk: Susceptible to warping, which can cause sample bypass and experiment failure—often compounded by improper storage conditions such as freezing rather than refrigeration, as described in precast gel storage best practices.
• Protein Adsorption: Microporous surfaces may retain residual protein, affecting resolution.