A fluorescence based assay for DNA damage induced by styrene oxide

A rapid and simple assay to detect DNA damage to calf thymus DNA caused by styrene oxide (SO) is reported. This assay is based on changes observed in the melting and annealing behavior of the damaged DNA. The melting annealing process was monitored using a fluorescence indicator dye PicoGreen® (PG) that increases its fluorescence when bound to double stranded DNA. The assay response was monitored with varying concentrations of SO, incubation temperature, incubation time and salt concentration. Sample volumes of 10 μl containing 100 ng/ml DNA were required for this assay. The error in measurement was between 5 and 7%.