Question:

After running the gel, can I fix and stain the gel with acetic acid and CBB? After staining the gel, should I wash the gel to remove acetic acid?

Resolution:

The band on the gel can be identified with a very light (less than 10 minute) coomassie staining if there is a large amount or protein present. Dissolve the stain in DI water to 0.05% and destain with DI water.

A preferable method is staining with 300 mM copper chloride in water. This will allow band visualization against a dark background. No further treatment is necessary after cutting out the band, simply freeze, smash and emulsify.