Title: Compounds DMSO Storage as Frozen Solutions: Dealing with Difficulties
Introduction:
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a versatile solvent used extensively in biological research to dissolve and store various compounds. Freezing compounds in DMSO can increase their stability and shelf life, making them valuable tools for researchers. However, freezing compounds in DMSO can come with its own set of difficulties, including the formation of crystals and insolubility issues. In this blog post, we will explore key points in storing compounds as DMSO frozen solutions and discuss strategies for dealing with common difficulties.
Key Point 1: Advantages of Storing Compounds as Frozen DMSO Solutions
Freezing compounds in DMSO can provide advantages over other storage methods, such as preserving their stability and shelf life. DMSO acts as a cryoprotectant and protects compounds from degradation, oxidation, and other forms of chemical breakdown. Additionally, frozen DMSO solutions are convenient to store, easy to thaw, and a cost-effective storage option.
Key Point 2: Common Difficulties in Storing Compounds as Frozen DMSO Solutions
While DMSO is widely used for compound storage, freezing compounds as DMSO solutions can come with its own set of challenges. Some common difficulties include crystal formation, decreased solubility, and the potential for compound degradation. The formation of crystals can alter the concentration of the compound and create issues when resuspending it. Decreased solubility of compounds can also result in the formation of precipitates or gel-like substances, which can be difficult to dissolve.
Key Point 3: Strategies for Dealing with Difficulties
There are several strategies researchers can use to address difficulties in storing compounds as frozen DMSO solutions:
- Pre-solubilize compounds: If you know that a particular compound will be difficult to solubilize after being frozen, it is recommended to dissolve the compound completely in DMSO before freezing.
- Adjust DMSO concentration: Modifying the DMSO concentration can help to prevent or reduce crystal formation and improve compound solubility. Decreasing the DMSO concentration can improve solubility, while increasing it can increase the stability of the compound.
- Agitate the frozen solution: Gently agitating frozen solutions can help to resuspend compounds and prevent the formation of crystals. This can be done by using a shaker or by manually agitating the solution.
- Store compounds in aliquots: Storing compounds in small aliquots can reduce the frequency of freeze-thaw cycles, which can promote the formation of crystals and decrease solubility.
- Confirm compound activity and purity after thawing: After thawing, it is often recommended to confirm compound activity and purity using appropriate analytical methods to ensure that the compound has not degraded.
Conclusion:
Freezing compounds in DMSO is a valuable storage option for researchers. However, difficulties with crystal formation and decreased solubility can be encountered when thawing the frozen solutions. By adopting strategies such as pre-solubilization, modifying DMSO concentration, agitating frozen solutions, storing compounds in aliquots, and confirming compound activity and purity after thawing, researchers can overcome these challenges and utilize DMSO frozen solutions in their research.