Cross-linking Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

Polyacrylamide electrophoresis (PAGE) is performed on a gel formed by polymerizing and cross-linking acrylamides. These gels are stronger than agarose gels and also thermostable and transparent. The matrix created by cross-linking the polymer chains is more regular and the pore sizes are more uniform in an individual gel. The pore size can be changed by changing the concentrations of the acrylamides used.In addition to separating fragments by charge and mass, PAGE also separates solutes by molecular size. When using PAGE, the gel allows more fractions of smaller size to be detected than the traditional agarose gel methods.Care is required in polyacrylamide gel preparation and use because acrylamides are carcinogenic.

Secondary hemostasis is the series of interrelated chemical processes which lead to the formation of durable fibrin strands, as well as being involved in their incorporation into the existing platelet plug, creating a fibrin clot. The fibrin strands themselves are manufactured through the interaction of various coagulation factors, via a process known as the coagulation cascade. After strand construction, these fibrin monomers are woven into the framework of the platelet plug, adding greater strength and stability. Once woven into the platelet plug, and further stabilized with covalent cross-linking, a fibrin clot (the end goal of secondary hemostasis) is achieved. The fibrin clot is more durable than the platelet plug, and is more of a long term fix, allowing time for continued vascular repair.

Formaldehyde penetrates, and preserves tissue by cross-linking proteins. Formaldehyde is a disinfectant which kills most bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms.