Makassar, Indonesia 04/06/2026/BioVax TB/ – Reliable molecular research depends not only on advanced analytical instruments but also on the careful preparation of laboratory materials that ensure every experiment produces trustworthy results. One of these essential materials is agarose gel, which serves as the separation matrix during DNA electrophoresis. Recognizing its importance, the activity entitled “Preparation of Agarose Gel Media” was carried out on 22 October 2025 at the Laboratory of the Hasanuddin University Medical Research Center (HUMRC), Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University (Lab HUMRC FK UNHAS). The laboratory work was conducted by Nurul Husna and Noer Zakiah Derajat Sam as part of a molecular biology workflow designed to support the analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products.
The primary objective of this activity was to prepare agarose gel media for the electrophoretic examination of PCR amplification results. Agarose gel electrophoresis is a widely applied molecular technique that allows researchers to separate DNA fragments according to their size. Through this process, PCR products can be evaluated to determine whether amplification has occurred successfully and whether the resulting DNA fragments correspond to the expected molecular targets. Consequently, the quality of the agarose gel directly influences the clarity of DNA band visualization and the accuracy of laboratory interpretation.
The preparation process required careful execution of standardized laboratory procedures. Agarose was dissolved in an appropriate electrophoresis buffer, heated until completely homogeneous, and cooled to an optimal temperature before being poured into a casting tray equipped with a comb to form sample wells. After the gel solidified, it was ready for electrophoresis, enabling DNA samples to migrate through the gel matrix under an electric field. Every stage demanded precision and consistency because even minor variations in gel preparation could affect DNA migration patterns and reduce the reliability of experimental findings. This demonstrates that successful molecular research relies on attention to detail from the earliest stages of laboratory preparation.
In addition to supporting laboratory experiments, this activity contributed to strengthening technical skills and practical scientific competence. Preparing agarose gel familiarizes researchers with essential laboratory techniques, reinforces good laboratory practice, and cultivates an understanding of quality assurance in molecular diagnostics. Such experience helps develop researchers who are capable of performing molecular analyses accurately while maintaining high standards of laboratory safety, scientific integrity, and experimental reproducibility.
This laboratory activity also demonstrates a meaningful contribution to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by facilitating accurate molecular analyses that underpin biomedical research and disease diagnosis. It advances SDG 4: Quality Education by providing practical laboratory experience that enhances scientific knowledge and technical capacity. Through collaborative implementation within the research environment, the activity also reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, emphasizing cooperation, knowledge sharing, and institutional collaboration in scientific research.
