Edvotek AIDS Experiment Kit III: Simulation of HIV Detection by Protein Electrophoresis

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a serious disease that suppresses a patient’s immune system which leaves them susceptible to infections. In this experiment, students will use SDS-PAGE to simulate the identification of HIV proteins in simulated patient samples. The results of this test are used to diagnose an HIV infection.

• Explore protein diversity and analysis using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)
• Examine the structure of HIV and key proteins critical to its replication
• Perform a PAGE clinical screen to identify HIV proteins in simulated blood samples and diagnose three patients.
• Skip the long and messy staining step with pre-stained protein samples!
• Group size: for 6 lab groups
• Time required: electrophoresis - 60 minutes, staining/destaining - optional, 2 hours
• Kit includes: instructions, denatured LyphoProtein™ samples, standard protein markers, practice gel loading solution, buffer, transfer pipettes, and Protein InstaStain®
• All you need: 3 polyacrylamide gels (12%), vertical gel electrophoresis apparatus, power supply, hot plate or burner, aluminum foil or foam water bath float, white light visualisation system, automatic micropipette with fine tips, microcentrifuge tube holder, lab glassware, methanol, glacial acetic acid, glass tray, plastic wrap, and distilled or deionised water
• Storage: some components require freezer storage