Methylene Blue trihydrate

Methylene Blue is a recommended stain for Agarose Gels when recovery of DNA is required. The benefit of using methylene blue over ethidium bromide is the ability to use a white light box for visualization and photography in place of a UV light box. Using a white light box in place of UV light box eliminates mutations that may affect the integrity of the isolated DNA.

For DNA Staining: Stain a 1% Agarose gel with DNA for 15 min with 0.02% Methylene Blue solution in distilled water and Destain with distilled water for 15 minutes.

For RNA Staining: Soak the RNA bonded to nylon or nitrocellulose dried membrane in 5% acetic acid at room temperature for 15 minutes. Then, place the filter in 0.5 M sodium acetate (pH 5.2) and 0.04% methylene blue for 5 – 10 minutes at room temperature. To destain, rinse the filter in water for 5 – 10 minutes.

Detailed protocol is provided with the product.

• Grade: USP
• Purity Limit: 98 – 103% (UV)
• MDL No: MFCD00150008
• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₁₈N₃ClS·3H₂O
• Molecular Weight: 373.90
• CAS No: 7220-79-3
• Used to stain agarose gels when recovery of DNA is required