What is the use of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) reagent?

What is DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide (CAS:67-68-5) ?

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is an organic sulfur-containing compound with the molecular formula C₂H₆OS. At room temperature, DMSO appears as a colorless, odorless transparent liquid. It exhibits strong hygroscopicity, has a freezing point of 18.55°C, and is flammable. The freezing point is synonymous with the melting point, both referring to the temperature at which a substance transitions between liquid and solid states. The DMSO structure contains a hydrophilic thiosulfanyl group and two hydrophobic methyl groups. Consequently, it is miscible with water and most organic solvents except petroleum ether, making it a highly polar and water-soluble organic solvent. Due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds, including both water-soluble and lipid-soluble substances, DMSO is often referred to as the "universal solvent."

Is DMSO polar or nonpolar?

In PCR reactions, DMSO serves as a non-protonic polar solvent and is commonly used as a co-solvent, particularly in ultra-long PCR reactions, where it enhances reaction yield. Additionally, DMSO serves as an antifreeze agent during cryopreservation of cells at deep cryogenic temperatures. It rapidly permeates cell membranes, lowers the freezing point, delays the freezing process, and reduces intracellular ice crystal formation, thereby protecting cells from damage. However, DMSO possesses certain toxicity, necessitating strict concentration control during use and prompt removal upon cell thawing.

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) Uses

Beyond these applications, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) reagent serves multiple purposes in laboratory settings. For instance, it can be added to PEG solutions during cell fusion. It also functions as a buffer component in various experiments, including Poly(A+) RNA purification, E. coli competent cell transformation, and PCR reactions. Furthermore, DMSO is commonly employed in capillary electrophoresis for DNA sequencing and as a storage solvent for nucleic acid dyes.

In medical applications, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) reagent functions as a transport molecule, aiding other drugs in penetrating cell membranes to enhance bioavailability and treating various diseases. In pharmacology and toxicology research, its ability to permeate cell membranes makes it a solvent for studying drug mechanisms and toxicity. Furthermore, DMSO is incorporated into certain cosmetics and personal care products due to its anti-inflammatory and permeation properties.

However, caution is required to avoid skin contact and inhalation when using DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) reagent. Prolonged skin exposure may cause local irritation reactions such as itching and burning sensations. Inhalation can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting, while high-concentration, large-area application may impair neurological function and cause hemolysis. Therefore, appropriate protective measures must be taken during use to prevent vaporization and skin contact.

DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide (CAS:67-68-5)

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