Alexei Volkov
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is widely used as a solvent for chemical reactions and as an extractant in biochemistry and cell biology. It is also used in cryobiology to preserve organs, tissues, and cell suspensions. Given its versatility, it is important to understand how to store it safely. This includes considerations about the type of container used, as DMSO can interact with certain plastics, potentially causing contamination and affecting its toxicity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| DMSO in plastic | Can become contaminated |
| DMSO toxicity | Depends on the chemical contents of plastics |
| Plastic compatibility | PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, PP |
| Plastic incompatibility | PVC, PS, polycarbonate, and acid chlorides |
| Glass compatibility | Amber glass, lightweight, shatter-resistant |
| Storage | Cool, dark place, tightly sealed container |
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What You'll Learn
- DMSO is compatible with plastics like PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, and PP
- It is incompatible with PVC, PS, and polycarbonate
- DMSO extracts' toxicity to human cell lines depends on the chemical contents of plastics
- DMSO is frequently used as a solvent for chemical reactions involving salts
- Glass is a non-reactive alternative to plastic for storing DMSO
DMSO is compatible with plastics like PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, and PP
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is a widely used organosulfur compound. It is a solvent that can dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds. DMSO is frequently used as a solvent for chemical reactions involving salts and as an extractant in biochemistry and cell biology.
When considering the stability of DMSO, the choice of container material is crucial. While DMSO can be stored in plastic, such as HDPE, some have expressed concerns about potential contamination. The compatibility between DMSO and plastic focuses on whether the DMSO will degrade the plastic and cause it to dissolve. Time and temperature also play a role in the compatibility, as some plastics may react or swell over time, leading to a loss of structural integrity.
In terms of safety, DMSO can cause contaminants, toxins, and medicines to be absorbed through the skin, potentially leading to unexpected effects. This property of DMSO is utilised in certain medical procedures, such as autologous bone marrow transplants, where it is re-infused along with the patient's hematopoietic stem cells. However, it is important to be cautious and consult manufacturers or those with specialised equipment when dealing with DMSO, as it can have harmful interactions with certain substances.
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It is incompatible with PVC, PS, and polycarbonate
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is widely used as a solvent for chemical reactions. It is also used as an extractant in biochemistry and cell biology. DMSO is frequently used in cryobiology as a cryoprotectant to preserve organs, tissues, and cell suspensions.
When it comes to storing DMSO, it is important to choose the right container to maintain its potency and shelf life. While both glass and BPA-free plastic are viable options, there are certain plastics that DMSO is incompatible with. These include PVC, PS, and polycarbonate plastics. This is due to the reactivity of DMSO with these specific plastics.
DMSO is a highly polar aprotic solvent, which means it can dissolve a wide range of compounds, including plastics. In fact, DMSO has been shown to dissolve the plastic of Eppendorf tubes, potentially causing the DMSO solution to become more toxic. Therefore, it is recommended to store DMSO in glass containers to prevent any potential contamination or changes in the DMSO solution. Glass is non-reactive and impermeable to air and moisture, helping to preserve the chemical integrity of DMSO.
However, it is important to note that not all plastics are incompatible with DMSO. DMSO is compatible with plastics such as PETE, HDPE, LDPE, and PP. These plastics can be safely used to store DMSO without the risk of contamination or reactivity. It is always important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and store DMSO in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
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DMSO extracts' toxicity to human cell lines depends on the chemical contents of plastics
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is widely used as a solvent for chemical reactions. It is also used as an extractant in biochemistry and cell biology. Due to its high boiling point, samples dissolved in DMSO are difficult to recover compared to other solvents.
DMSO is known to cause contaminants, toxins, and medicines to be absorbed through the skin, potentially leading to unexpected effects. This property of DMSO has led to its use in cryobiology, where it is crucial for preserving organs, tissues, and cell suspensions.
The discussion around storing DMSO in plastic versus glass centres on the potential for contamination and the maintenance of the chemical's integrity. Glass is non-reactive and impermeable to air and moisture, making it ideal for preserving DMSO. However, some plastics are also compatible with DMSO, including PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, and PP. These plastics do not react with DMSO and can be used for storage.
On the other hand, DMSO is not compatible with plastics such as PVC, PS, and polycarbonate due to its reactivity. There have been concerns raised about the potential for DMSO to dissolve the plastic of storage containers, leading to increased toxicity. This is a particular concern for eppendorf tubes and other plastic laboratory equipment.
In terms of the toxicity of DMSO extracts to human cell lines, studies have shown that it depends on the chemical contents of the plastics involved. Different plastics were found to have varying levels of toxicity, with PVC being the most toxic and inducing cytotoxicity in both colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 and human hepatocyte carcinoma HepG2 cell lines. The chemical profiles of the DMSO extracts were polymer-dependent, with PVC highly contaminated with metals. Overall, the discussion and research highlight the importance of choosing the right container for DMSO storage to maintain its potency and avoid contamination.
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DMSO is frequently used as a solvent for chemical reactions involving salts
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a highly polar, water-miscible organic liquid with a high boiling point. It is a valuable laboratory and industrial solvent with a wide range of applications. DMSO is frequently used as a solvent for chemical reactions involving salts, most notably in Finkelstein reactions and other nucleophilic substitutions. Its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds makes it particularly useful in these reactions.
DMSO's high boiling point of 189°C (372°F) means that it evaporates slowly at normal atmospheric pressure. This can make it challenging to recover samples dissolved in DMSO compared to other solvents, as traces of DMSO are difficult to remove by conventional rotary evaporation. However, a technique to address this involves removing the organic solvent by evaporation, followed by the addition of water to dissolve the DMSO, and finally, cryodesiccation to remove both DMSO and water.
In biochemistry and cell biology, DMSO is extensively employed as an extractant. Its weak acidity allows it to tolerate strong bases, making it ideal for studying carbanions. DMSO has been instrumental in determining non-aqueous pKa values for various organic compounds. Additionally, in its deuterated form (DMSO-d6), DMSO serves as a superior solvent for NMR spectroscopy due to its ability to dissolve a diverse range of analytes and its suitability for high-temperature studies.
Beyond the laboratory, DMSO has found applications in veterinary medicine, particularly as a liniment for horses. It is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. DMSO's ability to penetrate the skin makes it an effective solvent for transdermal drug delivery systems. Furthermore, DMSO is crucial in the freezing and long-term storage of embryonic and hematopoietic stem cells, where it helps prevent cell inactivity during cryopreservation.
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Glass is a non-reactive alternative to plastic for storing DMSO
DMSO is a colourless liquid that is widely used commercially. It is a solvent that dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds and is miscible in a wide range of organic solvents and water. It has a high boiling point of 189 °C (372 °F) and is metabolised to compounds that leave a garlic-like taste in the mouth after being absorbed by the skin.
When choosing a container for DMSO, it is crucial to select one that maintains its potency and shelf life. While both glass and BPA-free plastic are viable options, glass is preferred because it does not react chemically with DMSO, ensuring that the solution remains pure and effective. It provides a stable environment, preventing contamination and degradation.
DMSO is compatible with plastics like PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, and PP. However, it is not compatible with other plastics such as PVC, PS, and polycarbonate due to its reactivity. It is important to choose high-quality, food-grade plastics specifically designed for chemical storage, as inferior plastics may react with DMSO or allow air and moisture to seep in over time.
To summarise, glass is a non-reactive alternative to plastic for storing DMSO, offering a stable, contaminant-free, and cost-effective solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to store DMSO in plastics like PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, and PP. However, it is incompatible with plastics like PVC, PS, and polycarbonate due to its reactivity.
Yes, DMSO can become contaminated if stored in the wrong type of plastic. Inferior plastics may react with DMSO, and DMSO can dissolve the plastic of the storage container, causing the DMSO to become more toxic.
Glass is a non-reactive material that won't interact with or leach into the DMSO solution, preventing contamination. Glass is also impermeable to air and moisture, further protecting the DMSO from degradation.
Glass containers are lightweight, shatter-resistant, and often more affordable than their plastic counterparts. However, they may not be as convenient or durable as plastic containers for certain use cases.
Regardless of the container material, always store DMSO in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Additionally, ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination.
