Evaluation of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas) Starch from South East Nigeria in the Separation of Deoxyribonucleic Acids as Alternative to Agarose Gel

Gel electrophoresis technique is an indispensable tool in biotechnology and among other related fields for separation of nucleic acids proteins. This study determined the potential selected cassava sweet potato starch DNA as alternative to agarose gel. The sample pH, gelling temperature time were by Light transmittance method proposed Craig et al. [1] Standard procedure was used gel electrophoresis. result showed that composite gelled within 18-21 minutes while agar-agar after 12 minutes. Cassava blended with at a 58oC between 35oC - 47oC. Agarose maintained 54oC 53oC respectively. There no significant difference (P > 0.05) pH value when compared 1% Unblended samples did not form solid except some amount or powder. formed good strength 3% (2.2 g 0.8 agar-agar) but 4% (3.6 agar-agar). demonstrated possibilities cost reduction 60% g) 0.4 agarose. (4%) separated molecules comparably Therefore, use these cheaper, accessible readily available sources highly recommended biomolecules such DNA.