Trizol

TRIzol is a chemical solution used in the extraction of DNA, RNA, and proteins from cells. The solution was initially used and published by Piotr Chomczyński and Sacchi, N. in 1987.[1]

TRIzol reagent contains guanidinium thiocyanate and acid phenol.

TRIzol is the brand name of guanidinium thiocyanate from the Ambion part of Life Technologies,[2] and Tri-Reagent is the brand name from MRC,[3] which was founded by Chomczynski.

Uses in extraction

The correct name of the method is guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction. The use of TRIzol can result in DNA and RNA yields comparable to other extraction methods. An alternative method for RNA extraction is phenol extraction and TCA/acetone precipitation. Chloroform should be exchanged with 1-bromo-3-chloropropane when using the new generation TRI Reagent.

DNA and RNA from TRIzol and TRI reagent can also be extracted using the Direct-zol Miniprep kit by Zymo Research.[4] This method eliminates the use of Chloroform and 1-bromo-3-chloropropane completely, bypassing phase-separation and precipitation steps.[5]

TRIzol is light-sensitive and is often stored in a dark-colored, glass container covered in foil. It is stored at room temperature.

When used, it resembles cough syrup, bright pink. The smell of the phenol is extremely strong. TRIzol works by maintaining RNA integrity during tissue homogenization, while at the same time disrupting and breaking down cells and cell components.

Hazards

Caution should be taken while using TRIzol (due to the phenol and chloroform).

Exposure to TRIzol can be a serious health hazard. Exposure can lead to serious chemical burns and permanent scarring. A lab coat, gloves and a plastic apron are recommended.[6][7]

References
  1. Chomczynski P, Sacchi N. Single-step method of RNA isolation by acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction. Anal Biochem. 1987 Apr;162(1):156-9.
  2. Life Technologies
  3. Molecular Research Center, Inc.
  4. https://www.zymoresearch.com/collections/direct-zol-rna-kits/products/direct-zol-rna-microprep-kits
  5. https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2770056A1
  6. Material Safety data sheet from Life technologies. Archived 2008-07-21 at the Wayback Machine
  7. Material Safety data sheet from MRC Archived 2008-12-28 at the Wayback Machine


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