Decorative RNA strands

When working with RNA, it is important to protect the integrity and quality of RNA by eliminating RNase contamination. RNases—or ribonucleases—are enzymes that target and degrade RNA. Lab detergents and cleaning solutions are available to help keep lab equipment and surfaces RNase-free.

Basics of RNase control Working with RNA

RNase decontamination via RNase inactivation

One way to combat RNase contamination is via RNase inactivation. This means treating the surfaces you suspect need RNase decontamination with solutions that contain chemicals known to be active against RNases.

Another common alternative to RNase decontamination is by autoclaving equipment, such as glassware and metalware. The baking procedure typically involves incubation in an oven at 450°F for two hours or more.

RNase decontamination solutions

Treatment with RNase decontamination solutions is a useful way to eliminate RNases from equipment or lab surfaces. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers several products in the RNaseZap family—RNaseZap Solution, RNaseZap Wipes, and ElectroZap Solution—that collectively provide a comprehensive approach to help ensure that work surfaces, pipettors, and equipment are RNase-free.

  • Better RNase A decontamination than competitive products

Formats for RNase decontamination solutions include detergents and wipes.

RNase decontamination solutions in a detergent format

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Solution product photo of the bottle and sprayer cap

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Solution is a decontamination solution that inactivates and removes RNases. RNaseZap solution comes in a sprayer bottle so you simply spray the solution on contaminated surfaces and rinse off with RNase-free water. Main features of this solution include:

  • Glass, plastic, and surface decontaminant
  • Minimizes RNase contamination
ElectroZap RNase Decontamination Solution product photo of the bottle and sprayer cap

ElectroZap Electrode Decontamination Solution is an RNase decontamination solution that inactivates and removes RNases. This solution is formulated to decontaminate RNases on electrode surfaces. Main features of ElectroZap solution include:

  • Non-corrosive cleaning solution
  • Electrode surface decontaminant
  • Minimizes RNase contamination

RNase decontamination solutions in a towelette format

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Wipes product photo of the container and packaging

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Wipes contain the same RNaseZap solution in a convenient towelette form. The RNase decontamination solution contains ingredients known to inactivate and eliminate RNases. Main features of RNaseZap wipes include:

  • Glass and plastic surface decontaminant in wipes
  • Minimizes RNase contamination
Detergents

RNase decontamination solutions in a detergent format

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Solution product photo of the bottle and sprayer cap

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Solution is a decontamination solution that inactivates and removes RNases. RNaseZap solution comes in a sprayer bottle so you simply spray the solution on contaminated surfaces and rinse off with RNase-free water. Main features of this solution include:

  • Glass, plastic, and surface decontaminant
  • Minimizes RNase contamination
ElectroZap RNase Decontamination Solution product photo of the bottle and sprayer cap

ElectroZap Electrode Decontamination Solution is an RNase decontamination solution that inactivates and removes RNases. This solution is formulated to decontaminate RNases on electrode surfaces. Main features of ElectroZap solution include:

  • Non-corrosive cleaning solution
  • Electrode surface decontaminant
  • Minimizes RNase contamination
Wipes

RNase decontamination solutions in a towelette format

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Wipes product photo of the container and packaging

RNaseZap RNase Decontamination Wipes contain the same RNaseZap solution in a convenient towelette form. The RNase decontamination solution contains ingredients known to inactivate and eliminate RNases. Main features of RNaseZap wipes include:

  • Glass and plastic surface decontaminant in wipes
  • Minimizes RNase contamination
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