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Agarose Powder | Molecular Biology Grade Gel Electrophoresis Agarose AS-1015
$19.00 AUD
AuSaMicS Life Science · Molecular Biology Grade
Agarose Powder — Molecular Biology
High-Purity Agarose for DNA & RNA Gel Electrophoresis
Engineered for sharp resolution and high mechanical strength. Optimal separation from 100 bp to 25 kb. DNase-free. RNase-free.
AS-1015 CAS 9012-36-6 ✓ DNase-Free ✓ RNase-Free ✓ Protease-Free Low EEO ≤0.13 100 bp – 25 kb 🇦🇺 Melbourne Stock ⚡ Same-Week Dispatch
Gel Strength
≥1200
g/cm² at 1%
EEO (-mr)
≤0.13
Low electroosmosis
Sulfate
≤0.15%
Molecular grade
Separation
100 bp
to 25,000 bp
📄 Full DocumentationCOA · TDS · SDS every batch
🇦🇺 Local Australian StockNo import lead times
⚡ Same-Week DispatchMelbourne warehouse
🔬 Technical SupportFrom our science team
Overview
Agarose Powder (AS-1015) is a molecular biology grade polysaccharide matrix used as the standard gel medium for nucleic acid electrophoresis. Produced from purified agarose with low electroendosmosis (EEO ≤0.13) and high gel strength (≥1200 g/cm²), it delivers sharp band resolution, high optical clarity, and consistent performance across the full 100 bp to 25 kb separation range.
AS-1015 is certified DNase-free, RNase-free, and protease-free — ensuring the integrity of nucleic acid samples throughout electrophoresis. The low sulfate content (≤0.15%) minimises ionic interaction with DNA, reducing band diffusion and improving resolution for both analytical and preparative work.
Why Agarose Quality Matters
EEO (Electro-Endosmosis) — the single most important agarose quality parameter: Agarose contains negatively charged sulfate groups from its seaweed origin. During electrophoresis, these groups attract water molecules and create a counterflow opposing DNA migration — this is EEO. High-EEO agarose causes band smearing, reduced resolution, and artifactual results. AS-1015 achieves EEO ≤0.13 through a rigorous purification process that removes sulfate groups while preserving the native polysaccharide structure — giving clean, sharp bands with high signal-to-noise ratio for gel documentation and quantification.
Concentration Guide — Which % Do I Use?
0.5–0.8%
2 – 25 kb
Large DNA fragments, chromosomal mapping
1.0%
0.5 – 10 kb
Routine PCR, plasmid analysis, restriction digests
1.5–2%
100 – 2,000 bp
Small PCR products, genotyping, microsatellites
2–3%
50 – 500 bp
microRNA, siRNA, small amplicons, SNP analysis
Applications
DNA Electrophoresis
PCR, restriction digests, plasmid analysis, fragment sizing
RNA Electrophoresis
mRNA integrity checks, Northern blot preparation
Southern Blotting
High-strength gel for intact transfer to membrane
Northern Blotting
Denaturing formaldehyde gels for RNA analysis
Fragment Isolation
Gel extraction of PCR products and restriction fragments
Quality Control
NGS library QC, amplicon verification, biobank screening
Technical Principle
Agarose is a linear polysaccharide composed of alternating 1,3-linked β-D-galactose and 1,4-linked 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactopyranose units, extracted from red seaweed (Rhodophyta). When dissolved in buffer and cooled, agarose chains form a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded gel matrix with pore sizes ranging from approximately 100 nm (at 0.5%) to 20 nm (at 3%), enabling size-based sieving of nucleic acids. DNA migrates toward the positive electrode under the applied electric field; smaller fragments pass through the pore matrix faster than larger ones, producing the characteristic ladder-like band pattern used for size determination by comparison with a DNA ladder.
Agarose vs Agarose — Why Grade Matters
| Parameter | AS-1015 Molecular Grade | Food / General Grade | Effect on Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEO (-mr) | ≤0.13 | 0.15–0.25+ | High EEO causes band smearing and reduced mobility |
| Sulfate Content | ≤0.15% | 0.2–1.0% | High sulfate interacts with DNA, reducing resolution |
| Nuclease Status | DNase / RNase free | Not tested | Nuclease contamination degrades RNA samples |
| Gel Strength (1%) | ≥1200 g/cm² | Variable | Low strength gels crack or tear during handling |
| Moisture | ≤7% | ≤12% | High moisture reduces actual agarose concentration, inconsistent gels |
| Optical Clarity | High | Variable | Low clarity increases background and reduces band signal |
Cross-Reference / Equivalent Products
| Brand | Product Name | Catalogue No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermo Fisher / Invitrogen | UltraPure Agarose | 16500100 | Imported; longer lead time |
| Sigma-Aldrich (Merck) | Agarose, standard low EEO | A9539 | Imported; high price point |
| Lonza (Cambrex) | SeaKem LE Agarose | 50004 | Industry reference standard |
| Bio-Rad | Agarose, Standard Mol. Bio. | 1613101 | Imported |
| Promega | Agarose | V3121 | Imported |
| AuSaMicS | Agarose Powder — Mol. Bio. Grade | AS-1015 | Melbourne stock · same-week dispatch · COA included |
Storage & Shelf Life
Store at 15–30°C in a cool, dry location. Keep container tightly sealed — agarose is hygroscopic. Protect from moisture and direct light. Shelf life: 3–5 years from date of manufacture under recommended conditions. Prepared gels: use within 24 hours or seal and refrigerate up to 1 week.
Intended Use & Regulatory
For molecular biology, research, and laboratory use only. Not intended for food, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, or human diagnostic use. HS/AHECC Code: 3913.90.90.
Intent-Based Search Queries
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Related Products
Product Identification
| Product Name | Agarose Powder — Molecular Biology Grade |
| Catalogue Number | AS-1015 |
| CAS Number | 9012-36-6 |
| EINECS Number | 232-731-8 |
| HS / AHECC Code | 3913.90.90 |
| Grade | Molecular Biology Grade (Low EEO) |
| Source | Red seaweed (Rhodophyta); purified agarose fraction |
| Polymer Structure | Alternating β-D-galactose and 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactopyranose units |
| Manufacturer | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia |
Physicochemical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| EEO (Electro-Endosmosis, -mr) | ≤ 0.13 | Electrophoretic mobility assay (BSA/IgG) |
| Gel Strength (1% in TAE, 20°C) | ≥ 1200 g/cm² | Texture analyser / gel penetrometer |
| Sulfate Content | ≤ 0.15% | Barium sulfate turbidimetric / ICP |
| Moisture Content (Loss on Drying) | ≤ 7.0% | Gravimetric, 105°C / 2 hr |
| Melting Point (1% gel) | 87 – 89°C | Drop point method |
| Gelation Temperature (1% gel) | 34.5 – 37.5°C | Cooling curve method |
| Appearance (powder) | White to off-white, free-flowing powder | Visual |
| pH (1.5% solution, 25°C) | 5.0 – 7.5 | Potentiometric |
| DNase Activity | None detected | DNA degradation assay (pUC19) |
| RNase Activity | None detected | RNA degradation assay (16S/23S rRNA) |
| Protease Activity | None detected | Fluorescent casein assay |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP-OES |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.5% | Gravimetric (550°C) |
| Separation Range | 100 bp – 25,000 bp (at 0.5–2.0% in standard buffers) | DNA ladder electrophoresis |
Gel Preparation Protocol
1
Weigh the required mass of AS-1015 agarose for your desired gel concentration (e.g. 1.0 g per 100 mL for a 1% gel).
2
Add the appropriate volume of 1× TAE or TBE electrophoresis buffer (not water). Using buffer rather than water ensures correct ionic strength for sharp bands.
3
Microwave or heat with stirring until the agarose is completely dissolved — solution should be clear with no undissolved particles. Do not allow to boil over.
4
Cool to approximately 55–60°C before adding nucleic acid stain (ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe, or equivalent) and pouring into the gel cast. Premature pouring at higher temperatures prevents proper comb insertion; delayed pouring causes premature gelling.
5
Allow to solidify at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, cool at 4°C for 10–15 minutes for faster setting. Remove comb gently in a rocking motion to avoid tearing well walls.
6
Submerge gel in 1× TAE or TBE buffer to approximately 1–2 mm above the gel surface. Load samples and run at 5–10 V/cm (e.g. 100 V for a standard 20 cm gel, approximately 45–60 min for 1% gel at 1× TAE).
💡 Pro tip: Use the same buffer for both gel preparation and the electrophoresis tank. Mixing TAE and TBE, or different concentrations, creates ion imbalances that cause band distortion and "smiling" artefacts.
Physical Chemistry of the Gel Matrix
The agarose gel matrix functions as a molecular sieve. Upon cooling below 37°C, agarose chains form double helical bundles stabilised by hydrogen bonds, creating a network with defined pore sizes. Pore diameter is inversely proportional to agarose concentration — lower concentration = larger pores = resolution of larger fragments. Under an electric field (50–150 V), negatively charged DNA migrates toward the anode. The rate of migration is inversely proportional to the log of the molecular size, forming a linear log-linear relationship used for size determination. The gel-buffer system (TAE: Tris-Acetate-EDTA; or TBE: Tris-Borate-EDTA) maintains the pH at approximately 8.0–8.3, keeping DNA negatively charged and minimising secondary structure effects.
Literature References
| # | Reference |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sambrook J, Russell DW. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 3rd ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 2001. [Comprehensive agarose gel electrophoresis protocol and buffer preparation] |
| 2 | Sharp PA, Sugden B, Sambrook J. Detection of two restriction endonuclease activities in Haemophilus parainfluenzae using analytical agarose–ethidium bromide electrophoresis. Biochemistry. 1973;12(16):3055–3063. [Original agarose electrophoresis paper] |
| 3 | Stellwagen NC. Electrophoresis of DNA in agarose gels, polyacrylamide gels and in free solution. Electrophoresis. 2009;30 Suppl 1:S188–195. |
| 4 | Green MR, Sambrook J. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 4th ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 2012. [Updated protocols] |
| 5 | ISO 11133:2014. Culture media — Preparation, production, storage and performance testing. Geneva: ISO; 2014. |
📄 Full 16-section GHS SDS available (Australian WHS Regulations 2023 / GHS 7th Edition). Request via support@ausamics.com.au or download below.
Section 1 — Identification
| Product Name | Agarose Powder — Molecular Biology Grade |
| Catalogue No. | AS-1015 |
| CAS Number | 9012-36-6 |
| Supplier | AuSaMicS Pty Ltd | ABN 56 676 640 467 |
| Address | 31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia |
| Phone / Email | +61 412 520 598 | support@ausamics.com.au |
| Emergency | Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 (Australia, 24 hr) |
| Intended Use | Molecular biology gel matrix for DNA/RNA electrophoresis. For laboratory and research use only. |
Section 2 — Hazard Identification
| GHS Classification | NOT classified as hazardous under Australian WHS Regulations 2023 (GHS 7th Edition) at intended use concentrations. Agarose powder is a low-hazard natural polymer. |
| Signal Word | None required |
| Hazard Pictograms | None applicable |
| Other Hazards | Combustible dry powder at elevated temperatures. Dust may cause mild respiratory irritation. Hot dissolved agarose (87–90°C) — burn hazard from hot liquid; handle with appropriate thermal protection. |
Composition
| Component | CAS | Content | GHS Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agarose (purified polysaccharide) | 9012-36-6 | >98% | Not classified as hazardous |
| Moisture | 7732-18-5 | ≤7% | Not hazardous |
| Mineral ash (trace) | — | ≤0.5% | Not classified as hazardous |
First Aid, PPE, Handling & Disposal
| Route / Scenario | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Inhalation (powder) | Move to fresh air. If respiratory irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin contact | Wash with soap and water. For hot agarose burns: cool with running water for 20 min; seek medical attention if significant burn. |
| Eye contact | Flush with copious water for 15 min. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | Agarose is a natural polysaccharide — low acute toxicity. Rinse mouth; drink water. Seek medical advice if large quantity ingested. |
| Gloves | Nitrile gloves — especially when handling hot dissolved agarose or gels stained with ethidium bromide or other intercalating dyes |
| Eye protection | Safety spectacles when handling powder or hot liquid agarose |
| Respiratory | P1 dust mask if handling bulk powder in unventilated space |
| Hot agarose handling | Use insulated gloves or heat-resistant gloves when pouring hot agarose. Allow to cool to 55–60°C before pouring. |
| Disposal — uninoculated gel | Allow to solidify; dispose as non-hazardous solid waste per local EPA regulations. |
| Disposal — stained gel (EtBr) | Handle as hazardous waste if stained with ethidium bromide; follow institutional biosafety/chemical waste procedures for mutagenic waste. |
| Transport | Not classified as dangerous goods — ADG, IATA, IMDG. No UN Number applicable. |
⚠️ Important: The hazard classification above applies to the agarose powder only. Nucleic acid stains used with agarose gels (ethidium bromide, SYBR-based dyes) carry their own significant hazard classifications. Always consult the separate SDS for your staining reagent.
Regulatory Information
| Australian Standard | Australian WHS Regulations 2023 / GHS 7th Edition |
| AICIS Status | Compliant |
| HS / AHECC Code | 3913.90.90 — Polysaccharides and their derivatives |
| SDS Reference | SDS-AS-1015-AGR | Issue Date: January 2026 | Review: January 2028 |
| Prepared by | Hassan Salimi, Founder & Technical Director, AuSaMicS Pty Ltd |
Certificate of Analysis — AS-1015
Each batch of Agarose Powder (AS-1015) is produced under quality-controlled conditions and released with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis confirming compliance with all physicochemical and performance specifications.
Analytical Results — Typical Specifications
| Test Parameter | Specification | Method | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEO (Electro-Endosmosis) | ≤ 0.13 (-mr) | BSA/IgG electrophoretic assay | Conforms |
| Gel Strength (1%, TAE, 20°C) | ≥ 1200 g/cm² | Texture analyser | Conforms |
| Sulfate Content | ≤ 0.15% | ICP / turbidimetric | Conforms |
| Moisture Content (LOD, 105°C) | ≤ 7.0% | Gravimetric | Conforms |
| Melting Point (1% gel) | 87 – 89°C | Drop point method | Conforms |
| Gelation Temperature (1% gel) | 34.5 – 37.5°C | Cooling curve | Conforms |
| Appearance (powder) | White to off-white, free-flowing | Visual | Conforms |
| pH (1.5% solution, 25°C) | 5.0 – 7.5 | Potentiometric | Conforms |
| DNase Activity | None detected | pUC19 DNA degradation assay | Conforms |
| RNase Activity | None detected | rRNA degradation assay | Conforms |
| Protease Activity | None detected | Fluorescent casein assay | Conforms |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP-OES | Conforms |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.5% | Gravimetric (550°C) | Conforms |
| DNA separation performance | Distinct, sharp bands (100bp–10kb ladder) at 1% in 1× TAE, 100V, 45 min | DNA ladder electrophoresis (GeneRuler) | Conforms |
Batch Traceability
📋 Batch Details (printed on label and supplied COA)
Product
Agarose Powder — Mol. Bio. Grade
Catalogue No.
AS-1015
CAS Number
9012-36-6
Grade
Molecular Biology
Batch Number
Stated on label
Manufacturing Date
Stated on label
Expiry Date
Stated on label (3–5 yr)
Storage
15–30°C, dry, sealed
Manufacturer
AuSaMicS Pty Ltd — Melbourne, Australia
COA
Included with every order
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is EEO and why does it matter?
EEO (Electro-Endosmosis) measures electroosmotic water flow opposing DNA migration during electrophoresis. A low EEO (≤0.13 for AS-1015) means fewer charged sulfate groups and less counterflow — resulting in sharper bands, faster migration, and higher resolution. High-EEO agarose causes band smearing and reduced separation efficiency.
❓ Which concentration should I use for my fragment size?
0.5–0.8% for 2–25 kb; 1.0% for 500 bp–10 kb (routine PCR); 1.5–2.0% for 100–2,000 bp (small amplicons, genotyping); 2.5–3.0% for 50–500 bp (miRNA, small amplicons).
❓ Is AS-1015 equivalent to Thermo UltraPure or Sigma A9539?
Yes — AS-1015 meets the same molecular biology grade specification: EEO ≤0.13, DNase/RNase-free, gel strength ≥1200 g/cm², optimal for 100 bp–25 kb. Manufactured and packed in Melbourne with same-week dispatch. Full COA with every batch.
❓ Why are my bands smeared or fuzzy?
(1) Agarose not fully dissolved before pouring. (2) Gel poured too hot (>65°C). (3) Old or exhausted buffer — use fresh 1× TAE or TBE. (4) Voltage too high (>10 V/cm) causes heat and DNA diffusion. (5) Samples not properly denatured (RNA gels). (6) High-EEO agarose — switch to AS-1015.
Packaging Options
| Standard Pack Sizes | 25 g · 100 g · 250 g · 500 g · 1 kg |
| Bulk / Custom | Larger quantities available — contact support@ausamics.com.au |
| Packaging | Amber glass or HDPE container; hermetically sealed; full label with batch no., expiry, storage conditions |
Manufactured by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd
31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia | ABN 56 676 640 467
✓ Low EEO (≤0.13) — molecular biology performance standard
✓ DNase-free · RNase-free · Protease-free — nucleic acid integrity preserved
✓ ISO 11133:2014 compliant quality management
✓ Batch COA, TDS, and SDS with every order
✓ Australian stock — same-week dispatch, no import wait
31 Longview CT, Thomastown VIC 3074, Australia | ABN 56 676 640 467
✓ Low EEO (≤0.13) — molecular biology performance standard
✓ DNase-free · RNase-free · Protease-free — nucleic acid integrity preserved
✓ ISO 11133:2014 compliant quality management
✓ Batch COA, TDS, and SDS with every order
✓ Australian stock — same-week dispatch, no import wait
⚠️ For molecular biology, research, and laboratory use only. Not intended for food, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, or human diagnostic use. AuSaMicS Pty Ltd accepts no liability for use outside the intended application.