SYBR safe DNA gel stain

Invitrogen SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain is a highly sensitive dye for visualizing DNA in agarose or acrylamide gels. SYBR Safe stain is specifically formulated to be a less hazardous alternative to ethidium bromide that can be viewed with blue-light or by UV excitation. The stain is also suitable for staining RNA in gels.

Frequently asked questions

Download the SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain fact sheet

SYBR Safe Stain available formats

SYBR Safe stain is available as either a concentrate or a ready-to-use solution.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain, 10,000X concentrate
SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in 0.5X TBE
SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in 1X TAE

Assessment of cloning efficiency: SYBR Safe DNA Gel

Research has proved the use of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain and Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator helps improve cloning efficiency in both restriction enzyme as well as Gateway cloning methods.

Enhanced restriction enzyme cloning efficiency

Studies proved that the transformation efficiency of DNA constructs stained with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain and visualized with Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator is significantly higher than DNA constructs stained with ethidium bromide and visualized with UV transilluminator (Figure 1).

Furthermore, with increased duration of exposure to UV light, a 30-fold decline in the transformation efficiency of constructs stained with ethidium bromide was observed. In contrast, the duration of exposure to blue light did not affect the transformation efficiency of constructs stained with SYBR Safe DNA gel (Figure 1).

(A) photographs of bacterial plates and (B) a bar chart showing higher cloning efficiency among colonies visualized with SYBR Safe stain/blue light vs EtBr/UV light at exposure times of 10 seconds or greater
Figure 1. Enhanced cloning efficiency with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain. The lacZ insert fragment and pCMV•SPORT-βgal vector backbone were electrophoresed on duplicate agarose gels and stained with either SYBR Safe DNA gel stain or ethidium bromide. The DNA in the gel was exposed for defined periods to either the Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator or a UV transilluminator, respectively. Insert and vector DNA bands were excised from the gels, ligated, chemically transformed into competent bacteria and plated on ampicillin-X-gal plates (representative plates shown in panel A). Cloning efficiency was determined based on the total number of blue and white colonies present (B). Data plotted reflect an average of three experiments.

Improved Gateway cloning efficiency

The cloning efficiency of bacteria transformed with PCR products stained with SYBR Safe stain and visualized with blue light illuminator remained at virtually 100% regardless of the duration of exposure to blue light (Figure 2). In contrast, the number of successfully transformed bacterial colonies using PCR products exposed to ethidium bromide/UV light was reduced by 80% when the UV exposure was 30 seconds compared to unexposed DNA or SYBR Safe-stained DNA.

Line chart illustrates higher cloning efficiency SYBR Safe when compared to EtBr in a graph showing CFUs vs exposure time

Figure 2. Improved Gateway cloning efficiency. A 1.25 kb gene was amplified by PCR using attB1 and attB2 primers, and equivalent fractions were separated on duplicate agarose gels. Gels were stained with either SYBR Safe DNA gel stain or ethidium bromide, and DNA fragments were visualized with either the Safe Imager blue-light transilluminator or a UV transilluminator, respectively. The PCR products were cloned by Gateway BP recombination and transformed into chemically competent bacteria. Three serial dilutions were plated, and colonies were counted.

Assessment of mutagenicity: SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain

Multiple studies have been conducted by independent laboratories to investigate the safety of SYBR Safe DNA stain.

A study on the ability of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain for inducing an increase in morphological transformation of Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells, strongly indicated that the stain is non-carcinogenic; the SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain did not induce transformations in primary cultures of SHE cells when compared to vehicle control culture. In contrast, ethidium bromide tested positive in the SHE assays, consistent with its known activity as a strong mutagen.

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A study on the ability of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain to induce chromosomal aberrations in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes with and without exogenous metabolic activation concluded that SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain does not cause mutations in mouse lymphoma cells at the TK locus, nor does it induce chromosomal aberrations in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes, with or without S9 metabolic activation.

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Studies show that when compared to ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain causes fewer mutations in the standard Ames test, as measured in several different strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Weakly positive results for SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in this test occurred in four out of seven strains and only with activation by a mammalian S9 fraction (Figure 3).

Results of Ames test, represented in bar chart, comparing mutagenicity of ethidium bromide and SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain

Figure 3. Ames test results for mutagenicity of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain and ethidium bromide.

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A summary of mammalian genotoxicity analysis data is presented in the table below.

In vitro test*Cell typeResult with S9 activation†Result without S9 activation†
Transformation1Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cellsNANegative
Chromosomal aberrations2Cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytesNegativeNegative
Forward mutation3,4L5178YTK+/- mouse lymphoma cellsNegativeNegative

* In vitro tests were performed by Covance Laboratories Inc., Vienna, VA.
† Mammalian S9 fraction obtained from Aroclor 1254 induced rat liver. NA = Not applicable.
1Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 356, 1 (1996); 2Evans, H.J., in Chemical Mutagens, Principles and Methods for Their Detection, A. Hollaender, Ed., Vol. 4, (1976) pp. 129; 3Mutation Res 72, 447 (1980); 4Mutation Res 59, 61 (1979).

A single oral administration of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in 0.5X TBE at a limit dose of 5,000 mg/kg to three female rats produced no mortalities or toxic signs. An aquatic toxicity study with fathead minnows confirmed that the SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in 0.5X TBE was not toxic (LC50 >750 mg/L). The summary of the two oral toxicity studies is listed in the table.

AnalysisMethodResults
Aquatic toxicityFathead minnow CA Title 22 acute screeningNot hazardous or toxic to aquatic life
Oral toxicity§EPA Acute Oral Toxicity Test OPPTS 870.1100LD50 > 5000 mg/kg

Performed by AMEC Earth and Environmental San Diego Bioassay Laboratory, San Diego, CA.
§ Performed by Northview Pacific Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA.

Read detailed study

A study on the ability of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain for inducing an increase in morphological transformation of Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells, strongly indicated that the stain is non-carcinogenic; the SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain did not induce transformations in primary cultures of SHE cells when compared to vehicle control culture. In contrast, ethidium bromide tested positive in the SHE assays, consistent with its known activity as a strong mutagen.

Read detailed study

A study on the ability of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain to induce chromosomal aberrations in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes with and without exogenous metabolic activation concluded that SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain does not cause mutations in mouse lymphoma cells at the TK locus, nor does it induce chromosomal aberrations in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes, with or without S9 metabolic activation.

Read detailed study

Studies show that when compared to ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain causes fewer mutations in the standard Ames test, as measured in several different strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Weakly positive results for SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in this test occurred in four out of seven strains and only with activation by a mammalian S9 fraction (Figure 3).

Results of Ames test, represented in bar chart, comparing mutagenicity of ethidium bromide and SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain

Figure 3. Ames test results for mutagenicity of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain and ethidium bromide.

Read detailed study

A summary of mammalian genotoxicity analysis data is presented in the table below.

In vitro test*Cell typeResult with S9 activation†Result without S9 activation†
Transformation1Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cellsNANegative
Chromosomal aberrations2Cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytesNegativeNegative
Forward mutation3,4L5178YTK+/- mouse lymphoma cellsNegativeNegative

* In vitro tests were performed by Covance Laboratories Inc., Vienna, VA.
† Mammalian S9 fraction obtained from Aroclor 1254 induced rat liver. NA = Not applicable.
1Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis 356, 1 (1996); 2Evans, H.J., in Chemical Mutagens, Principles and Methods for Their Detection, A. Hollaender, Ed., Vol. 4, (1976) pp. 129; 3Mutation Res 72, 447 (1980); 4Mutation Res 59, 61 (1979).

A single oral administration of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in 0.5X TBE at a limit dose of 5,000 mg/kg to three female rats produced no mortalities or toxic signs. An aquatic toxicity study with fathead minnows confirmed that the SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in 0.5X TBE was not toxic (LC50 >750 mg/L). The summary of the two oral toxicity studies is listed in the table.

AnalysisMethodResults
Aquatic toxicityFathead minnow CA Title 22 acute screeningNot hazardous or toxic to aquatic life
Oral toxicity§EPA Acute Oral Toxicity Test OPPTS 870.1100LD50 > 5000 mg/kg

Performed by AMEC Earth and Environmental San Diego Bioassay Laboratory, San Diego, CA.
§ Performed by Northview Pacific Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA.

Read detailed study

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain environmental impact results (USA)

Human hands holding earth

Based on extensive environmental safety testing, SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain is not classified as hazardous waste under U.S. Federal regulations (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)). SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain is not classified as corrosive, ignitable, or reactive under the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

AnalysisMethodResults
CorrosivityEPA 150.1Not corrosive (pH = 8.25)
Corrosivity (by Corrositex)DOT-E 10904Category 2 noncorrosive
IgnitabilityEPA 1010Not ignitable (< 212°F)
ReactivityEPA 9010B/9030ANo reactivity detected

 All tests were performed by AMEC Earth and Environmental San Diego Bioassay Laboratory, San Diego, CA.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain does not differ significantly from 0.5X TBE buffer when tested according to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) guidelines.

Test††SYBR Safe stain in 0.5X TBE0.5X TBE
pH (150.1)8.458.48
Total cyanide (335.2)None detectedNone detected
Chemical oxygen demand (COD; 410.1)70206840
Ammonia as nitrogen (350.1)253248
Total organic carbon (415.1)24802360
Total phenolics (420.1)None detectedNone detected
Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs (608M)None detectedNone detected
Semi-volatile organic compounds (625)None detectedNone detected
Volatile organic compounds (624)None detectedNone detected
Priority pollutant metals (Sb, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, Ag, Tl, Zn) (EPA 200.7/200 series)None detectedNone detected

††All tests were performed by Columbia Analytical Services, Inc., Kelso, WA. Methods used were as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, Part 136.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain in 0.5X TBE is indistinguishable from 0.5X TBE alone in terms of organic pollutant content. Both samples tested negative for the presence of an extensive array of organic compounds.

Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs (608M)‡‡
alpha-BHCbeta-BHCgamma-BHCdelta-BHC (Lindane)Heptachlor
AldrinHeptachlor EpoxideEndosulfan IDieldrin4,4'-DDE
EndrinEndosulfan II4,4'-DDDEndrin AldehydeEndosulfan Sulfate
4,4'-DDTToxapheneChlordaneAroclor 1016Aroclor 1221
Aroclor 1232Aroclor 1242Aroclor 1248Aroclor 1254Aroclor 1260
EthylbenzeneBromoform1,1,2,2,-Tetrachloro ethane1,3-Dichloro benzene 
Volatile organic compounds (624)‡‡
ChloromethaneVinyl ChlorideBromomethaneChloroethaneTrichlorofluoro methane
1,1-DichloroetheneMethylene Chloridetrans-1,2-Dichloroethene1,1-DichloroethaneChloroform
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA)Carbon TetrachlorideBenzene1,2-Dichloroethane (EDC)Trichloroethene (TCE)
1,2-DichloropropaneBromodichloro methane2-Chloroethyl Vinyl Ethertrans-1,3-Dichloro-propeneToluene
cis-1,3-Dichloropropene1,1,2-TrichloroethaneTetrachloroethene (PCE)Dibromochloro methaneChlorobenzene
1,4-Dichlorobenzene1,2-DichlorobenzeneAcroleinAcrylonitrile 
Semi-volatile organic compounds (625)‡‡
N-Nitrosodimethyl-amineBis(2-chloroethyl) EtherPhenol2-ChlorophenolBis (2-chloroisopropyl) Ether
HexachloroethaneN-Nitrosodi-n-propyl-amineNitrobenzeneIsophorone2-Nitrophenol
2,4-Dimethylphenol4-Nitrophenol2,4-Dichlorophenol1,2,4-TrichlorobenzeneNaphthalene
Hexachlorobutadiene4-Chloro-3-methylphenolHexachlorocyclo-pentadiene2,4,6-Trichlorophenol2-Chloronaphthalene
AcenaphthyleneDimethyl Phthalate2,6-DinitrotolueneAcenaphthene2,4-Dinitrophenol
Bis (2-chloroethoxy) methane2,4-DinitrotolueneFluoreneDiethyl Phthalate2-Methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine4-Bromophenyl Phenyl EtherHexachlorobenzenePentachlorophenolPhenanthrene
AnthraceneDi-n-butyl PhthalateFluorantheneBenzidinePyrene
Butyl Benzyl Phthalate3,3'-DichlorobenzidineBenz(a)anthraceneChryseneBis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate
Di-n-octyl PhthalateBenzo(b)fluorantheneBenzo(k)fluorantheneBenzo(a)pyreneIndeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene
Dibenz(a,h)anthraceneBenzo(g,h,I)perylene1,2-Diphenylhydrazine2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin4-Chlorophenyl Phenyl Ether

‡‡ Samples analyzed were 0.5X TBE and 0.5X TBE + 1X SYBR Safe DNA gel stain; none of the compounds listed in the table were detected in either sample. Testing was performed by Columbia Analytical Services, Inc., Kelso, WA. Methods used were as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, Part 136.


Filter recommendations for use with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain

SYBR Safe stain has fluorescence excitation maxima at 280 nm and 502 nm, and an emission maximum at 530 nm. SYBR Safe binds to nucleic acids, and stained DNA can be visualized using imaging systems equipped with an excitation source in the UV range or between 470 nm and 530 nm.

The table below lists recommended filters for specific gel documentation systems. If your system is not listed, contact the manufacturer for recommendations. Note that the excitation and emission spectra of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain are very similar to those of SYBR Green I, SYBR Green II, and SYBR Gold dyes, as well as fluorescein (FITC). Therefore, filters appropriate for these dyes can also be used. A camera filter is not required with the Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator; the amber filter provided with the instrument serves this purpose.

InstrumentManufacturerExcitation sourceEmission filter
FCR-10Polaroid®UV#3-4218
AlphaImagerAlpha Innotech302 nmSYB-500
AlphaDigiDoc RTAlpha InnotechUV transilluminator 
Shroud, camera standAlpha InnotechUV transilluminator 
DE500 or DE400 light cabinet 2.17" diam.Alpha InnotechUV transilluminatorSYB-100
DE500 or DE400 light cabinet 2" diam.Alpha InnotechUV transilluminatorSYB-500
VersaDoc Imaging SystemsBio-RadBroadband UV520LP
Molecular Imager FX SystemsBio-Rad488 nm530 DF 30
Gel Doc SystemsBio-Rad302 nm520DF30 (#170-8074)
Typhoon 9400/9410GE Healthcare488 nm520 BP 40
Typhoon 9200/9210/8600/8610GE Healthcare488 nm526 SP
FluorImagerGE Healthcare488 nm530 DF 30
StormGE HealthcareBlue (fluorescence mode) 
ImageMaster VDS-CLGE HealthcareTransmissionUV Low
UltraCam/gel imagerUltra-LumUVYellow Filter (#990-0804-07)
Omega SystemsUltra-LumUV520 nm
FOTO/Analyst Express/Investigator/Plus/LuminaryFotodyneUVFluorescent Green (#60-2034)
FOTO/Analyst Express/Investigator/Plus/LuminaryFotodyneUVFluorescent Green (#62-4289)
FOTO/Analyst MinivisionaryFotodyneUVFluorescent Green (#62-2535)
FOTO/Analyst ApprenticeFotodyneUVFluorescent Green (#60-2056)
FUJI FLA-3000FUJI Film473 nm520LP
BioDocIt/AC1/EC3/BioSpectrumUVP302 nmSYBR Green (#38-0219-01)
or
SYBR Gold (#38-0221-01)
Gel LogicKodakUV 535535 nm WB50
Mini BIS/Mini BIS ProDNR BioimagingUV 320Yellow
Compact BISDNR BioimagingUV 320Orange
Syngene InstrumentsSyngeneUV500–600 nm shortpass filter

Optional filters available from respective manufacturer


SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions have been grouped into three categories: Safety, Imaging, and Applications.

SYBR Safe Stain safety

Some institutions and municipalities have approved the disposal of Invitrogen SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain directly into their wastewater systems. However, disposal regulations vary. Please contact your safety office or local municipality for disposal guidelines.

In numerous tests carried out by independent, licensed testing laboratories, SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain showed little or no genotoxicity and no acute toxicity. This stain is not classified as hazardous waste under US federal regulations. Nevertheless, please exercise common safe laboratory practices when using this reagent.

All Invitrogen SYBR dyes have similar spectral properties but have different chemical compositions. SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain was specifically developed as a safer alternative to ethidium bromide. Invitrogen SYBR Green I Nucleic Acid Gel Stain is an ultrasensitive stain for dsDNA, and Invitrogen SYBR Green II RNA Gel Stain is a highly sensitive stain for RNA and ssDNA. All SYBR dyes are optimally excited by the Invitrogen Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator.

Yes. Simply substitute a SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain solution for the buffer when preparing the molten agarose. If using the 10,000X SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain concentrate, dilute the concentrated stain 1:10,000 in agarose gel buffer (e.g., 1X TBE or 1X TAE) and add the buffer/stain solution to the powdered agarose. The agarose/SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain mixture may be heated briefly in the microwave.

The SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain content in a 1X solution is less than 1 ppm.

Water and 70% ethanol should get rid of most stains from spills. For persistent stains, bleach may be used. Use a handheld UV light in the darkroom to check for any remaining stain.

DNA stained with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain can be viewed using a blue light transilluminator such as Invitrogen’s Safe Imager instrument, or a standard UV transilluminator. If you plan to use the DNA for cloning, avoid exposing DNA stained with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain to UV light.

Unlike UV light, blue light causes minimal damage to DNA and is therefore safer for you and better for your DNA sample. Use of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain and the Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator gives improved cloning efficiency over DNA stained with ethidium bromide and exposed to UV light.

SYBR Safe Stain imaging

Bands stained with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain are visible to the eye on a 300 nm transilluminator. However, optimum detection is obtained by photographing the gel using a UV-compatible emission filter with your CCD or film camera. UV bulbs may also emit some IR; if your camera lens is not specially coated to block IR, an IR-blocking filter is needed to prevent the appearance of faint images of the UV bulbs behind your gel. For optimum detection and improved safety, use the Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator.

The Invitrogen SYBR Safe Photographic Filter mounts directly in front of the lens of any standard Polaroid® system, for those using Polaroid® B&W film (#667) to document their gels.

Please see "Filter recommendations for use with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain". Note that the excitation and emission spectra of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain are very similar to those of SYBR Green I, SYBR Green II, and Invitrogen SYBR Gold dyes, as well as fluorescein (FITC). Therefore, filters appropriate for these dyes can also be used. A camera filter is not required with the Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator; the amber filter provided with the instrument serves this purpose.

Since there are so many different camera systems and emission filters, it is difficult to recommend specific photographic settings. Ideal exposure settings can be determined empirically. The manufacturer of the gel documentation system may be able to provide more detailed guidance.

Some ethidium bromide filters allow the transmission of all light above 500 nm. These filters (which are often yellow in color) and their associated camera settings can be used with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain, usually with only minor adjustments to the exposure or gain. Other ethidium bromide filters (often red in color) only transmit light around or above 600 nm; these filters and their associated camera settings are not suitable for use with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain has two main excitation peaks: in the UV region at 280 nm, and in the visible region at 502 nm. Thus, 254 nm or 300 nm UV excitation will work, as will 488 nm lasers, 470 nm LEDs, and broad blue excitation (such as the Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator). Maximal excitation occurs at 502 nm; the Safe Imager Blue-Light Transilluminator is therefore the best choice for excitation of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain. The full excitation and emission spectra for SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain are provided online and can also be found in the protocol provided with the stain.

Many whitening agents used in clothing, as well as some fungi and bacteria, fluoresce at the same wavelengths as SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain. These contaminants within or on the surface of the gel may produce this “speckling.”

SYBR Safe Stain applications

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain is compatible with all downstream applications we have tested so far, including excising PCR products from gels, gel purification, Invitrogen Gateway and TOPO cloning, and restriction enzyme cloning. If you have a unique application that works with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain, send us the details at techsupport@thermofisher.com.

Dilute SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain concentrate 10,000-fold in TAE or TBE buffer prior to use. For most minigels, 50 mL of 1X stain is sufficient (e.g., dilute 5 µL of concentrate with 50 mL buffer). For larger gels, increase volumes proportionally, ensuring that the entire gel is fully immersed during staining.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain yields the same sensitivity as ethidium bromide—roughly 500 pg/band in a minigel, for fragments larger than 200 bp viewed on a 300 nm transilluminator.

We strongly discourage the reuse of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain, as this practice significantly lowers sensitivity.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain may be briefly microwaved with no loss of performance. However, we do not know the effect of repeated or long duration microwaving.

We recommend that SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain be protected from light during storage and gel staining. However, it is sufficiently stable to withstand UV illumination for >30 minutes. Realistically, hours of constant UV or bright room light exposure are required to cause any significant loss of signal.

We have found a distinct advantage to using SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain and non-UV blue light rather than ethidium bromide and UV when purifying DNA from gels for downstream use. The use of SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain with non-UV blue light emitted by the Invitrogen E-Gel Imager System with Blue Light Base allows you to purify DNA with virtually no UV-induced nicking or crosslinking, resulting in dramatically increased cloning efficiencies.

Several Invitrogen E-Gel products are now available with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain. These gels can be used in the same manner as their ethidium bromide-containing counterparts. For more information on Invitrogen E-Gel pre-cast gels with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain, visit www.thermofisher.com/egels.

SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain is easily removed from nucleic acids by ethanol precipitation.

Similar to ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain runs in the opposite direction from that of the migrating DNA. This has no practical effect on the use of gels cast with SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain, as only the very bottom of the gel will have a lower concentration of stain. How much of the gel will end up with a lower stain concentration is highly dependent on the agarose concentration, buffer used, and electrophoresis conditions including (voltage, wattage, and length of run, etc). This effect can be partially counteracted by adding SYBR Safe DNA Gel Stain to the running buffer.


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