N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) is a chemical compound commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry applications. It is a crosslinking agent that is added to acrylamide gels to polymerize them and create a stable matrix for electrophoresis.
Crosslinking refers to the formation of chemical bonds between polymer chains, and MBAA plays a crucial role in this process. When added to acrylamide monomers, MBAA links them together to form a three-dimensional network of polymers. This crosslinked structure enhances the stability and strength of the gel, allowing for the separation of biomolecules based on their size, charge, or other physical properties.
MBAA is primarily utilized in techniques like polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), commonly used for protein and nucleic acid analysis. It helps in creating a uniform gel matrix through which the biomolecules can migrate during electrophoresis.
Aside from its use in gel electrophoresis, MBAA also finds applications in other areas such as molecular imprinting, chromatography, and drug delivery systems. It is known for its ability to create stable and mechanically robust polymer networks, making it a valuable tool in research and analytical laboratories.