Ethidium bromide

Chemical properties

Purple/maroon crystalline powder

The Uses of Ethidium bromide

Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is the most commonly used nucleic acid stain for PAGE or agarose gel electrophoresis. The fluorescence of EtBr increases 21-fold upon binding to double-stranded RNA and 25-fold on binding double-stranded DNA so that destaining the background is not necessary with a low stain concentration (10 μg/ml). Ethidium bromide has been used in a number of fluorimetric assays for nucleic acids. It has been shown to bind to single-stranded DNA (although not as strongly) and triple-stranded DNA. Because of its ability to bind to DNA, EtBr is an inhibitor of DNA polymerase. Antiprotozoal (Trypanosoma).

The Uses of Ethidium bromide

Intercalating agent and fluorescent label for DNA.

The Uses of Ethidium bromide

antiprotozoal, intercalcates with DNA

What are the applications of Application

Ethidium bromide is an intercalating fluorescent dye reagent for DNA/RNA staining

Definition

ChEBI: Ethidium bromide is the organic bromide salt of ethidium. It has a role as a trypanocidal drug, a geroprotector and an intercalator. It contains an ethidium.

Health Hazard

Acute toxic effects from exposure to ethidium bromide have not been thoroughly investigated. Ethidium bromide is irritating to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract. Although there is no evidence for the carcinogenicity or teratogenicity of this substance in humans, ethidium bromide is strongly mutagenic and therefore should be regarded as a possible carcinogen and reproductive toxin

Flammability and Explosibility

Ethidium bromide does not pose a flammability hazard (NFPA rating = 1).

Biochem/physiol Actions

Ethidium bromide intercalates double-stranded DNA and RNA and acts as a frameshift mutagen. It can also be used in conjunction with acridine orange to differentiate between viable, apoptotic and necrotic cells.

Safety Profile

Because ethidium bromide can bind with DNA, it is highly toxic as a mutagen. It may potentially cause carcinogenic or teratogenic effects, although no scientific evidence showing either health effect has been found. Exposure routes of ethidium bromide are inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. An acute exposure to ethidium bromide causes irritation of the mouth, upper respiratory tract, skin, and eyes.

storage

Because of its mutagenicity, stock solutions of this compound should be prepared in a fume hood, and protective gloves should be worn at all times while handling this substance. Operations capable of generating ethidium bromide dust or aerosols of ethidium bromide solutions should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from MeOH or EtOH [Lamos et al. J Am Chem Soc 108 4278 1986]. Its solubility in H2O is 1%. [Beilstein 22/11 V 352.] POSSIBLE CARCINOGEN.

Incompatibilities

No incompatibilities are known.

Waste Disposal

Excess ethidium bromide and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.