Solarbio β-Mercaptoethanol 100ml

Product Overview

β-Mercaptoethanol, often referred to as β-ME or 2-mercaptoethanol, is a reducing agent commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories. It is used for various applications, primarily to reduce disulfide bonds in proteins and maintain a reducing environment in certain biochemical reactions. The chemical formula for β-Mercaptoethanol is C2H6OS.

Uses of β-Mercaptoethanol:

1. Protein Denaturation and Unfolding:
   • β-Mercaptoethanol is used to break disulfide bonds in proteins, leading to denaturation and unfolding of the protein structure. This is often done in sample preparation for electrophoresis, chromatography, or other protein analysis techniques.
2. RNA Denaturation:
   • It is sometimes used in RNA isolation procedures to denature RNases and maintain RNA integrity.
3. Cell Culture:
   • β-Mercaptoethanol is added to cell culture media to maintain a reducing environment and protect cells from oxidative stress.

How to Use β-Mercaptoethanol:

1. Preparation of Stock Solution:
   • Prepare a stock solution of β-Mercaptoethanol by diluting it in an appropriate solvent, such as water or a buffer. Common concentrations range from 1 M to 14 M, depending on the intended application.
2. Addition to Protein Samples:
   • Add β-Mercaptoethanol to protein samples to break disulfide bonds and denature proteins. The concentration used will depend on the specific application and the degree of denaturation required.
3. Incubation:
   • Incubate the protein sample with β-Mercaptoethanol at an appropriate temperature for a sufficient duration. Incubation times can vary but are often in the range of 5 to 30 minutes.
4. Quenching (if needed):
   • After denaturation, the excess β-Mercaptoethanol may need to be quenched or removed, depending on the downstream application. This is often done by methods such as buffer exchange or dilution.
5. Cell Culture:
   • In cell culture, β-Mercaptoethanol is added directly to the cell culture medium. Common concentrations are in the range of 50 μM to 1 mM.
6. Storage:
   • β-Mercaptoethanol should be stored at -20°C to -80°C to maintain its stability. It is sensitive to air and light, so it is essential to protect it from oxidation.
7. Safety Considerations:
   • Handle β-Mercaptoethanol with care as it has a strong and unpleasant odor. Use it in a well-ventilated area, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

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