The DNA safe staining dye.
AviStain™:
The Safe and Effective DNA Staining Dye
Illuminating Your Science:
The Role of DNA Staining Dyes
DNA staining dyes are indispensable tools in molecular biology laboratories. They enable the visualization of DNA fragments during gel electrophoresis, a fundamental technique used to separate DNA molecules based on their size. These dyes bind to DNA and fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV) light, allowing researchers to analyze DNA samples, assess the success of PCR reactions, and perform various downstream applications.
The Need for Safe Alternatives: Moving Beyond Ethidium Bromide
Ethidium bromide (EtBr) has long been the standard DNA stain due to its high sensitivity and low cost. However, its widespread use has raised serious safety concerns. EtBr is a potent mutagen and a suspected carcinogen. Its ability to intercalate into DNA raises alarms about its potential to cause DNA damage and mutations.
The hazardous nature of EtBr necessitates strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and specialized waste disposal procedures. The need for safer alternatives has driven the development of non-toxic DNA staining dyes like AviStain™.
AviStain™ versus Ethidium Bromide: A Comprehensive Comparison
| Feature | AviStain™ | Ethidium Bromide |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | High (comparable to EtBr) | High |
| Safety | Non-toxic, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic | Toxic, mutagenic, suspected carcinogen |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal | High (requires hazardous waste disposal) |
| Cost-Effectiveness | High (more cost-effective in the long run) | Low initial cost, but higher disposal costs |
| Staining Protocol | Simple, no destaining required | Can require destaining step |
| Excitation/Emission (nm) | 490/520 | 510/590 |
| Applications | Agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction | Agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction |
AviStain™ not only matches the sensitivity of EtBr but surpasses it in terms of safety and environmental responsibility. The simplified staining protocol further streamlines your workflow.
The Science Behind AviStain™: A Safer Way to Visualize DNA
AviStain™ is a proprietary fluorescent dye that binds specifically to double-stranded DNA. Unlike EtBr, AviStain™ does not intercalate into the DNA helix, minimizing the risk of DNA damage. The exact chemical structure of AviStain™ is proprietary, but it's designed to be non-toxic and non-mutagenic.
Under UV light, AviStain™-bound DNA emits a bright green fluorescence, allowing for clear visualization of DNA bands on agarose gels. This fluorescence is comparable in intensity to EtBr, ensuring that you don't have to sacrifice sensitivity for safety.
Relevant Scientific Articles
- "Evaluation of a new fluorescent dye for DNA staining in agarose gels"
This article compares the performance of AviStain™ with EtBr and other safe DNA stains, demonstrating its high sensitivity and safety profile. - "Safe and sensitive DNA staining with a non-mutagenic fluorescent dye"
This study highlights the non-mutagenic properties of AviStain™ and its suitability for various molecular biology applications.
The AviStain™ Advantage
AviStain™ empowers researchers to prioritize safety without compromising the quality of their results. Whether you're working in academia, industry, or a clinical setting, AviStain™ offers a reliable and responsible choice for DNA staining.
Discover the difference AviStain™ can make in your lab. Contact us today for
Advantages:
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AviStain™ is as sensitive as EB.
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Most economic safe nucleic acid stain.
How to use
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