TAE buffer contamination - (Jan/10/2011 )

My lab has been struggling with a contamination problem in our Tris-acetate-EDTA buffer. It degrades the DNA when during electrophoresis. The problem is not with the 50X stock solution since the problem temporarily disappears when a new batch of 1X is made. We have tried replacing the carboy we keep the 1X solution in, soaking it in bleach (rinsing it very well), even ethanol. It appears to be something that grows, and I cannot kill it. What can grow in TAE like this? And more importantly, how do I get rid of it?!?

Skyeboy

have you tried sterile filtering?

the easiest thing to do would be to not store 1x. make a fresh dilution when needed.