Effects of different nucleic acid dyestuffs on DNA staining

Ethidium Bromide (EB) is the most common dye in DNA gelelectrophoresis, but it is also a strong carcinogen and has strong mutagenicity which are harmful to experimenters´ health and environment. In order to avoid the hazards and improve the safety of the experimenters, the safer dye should be used to replace EB. In this study, the staining results of different nucleic acid dyes, namely EB, Greenview and Gelred, were compared trying to find a low-toxic, affordable, high sensitivity and good stability of nucleic acid dyes. The results showed that all three types of dyes could satisfy the basic requirements of the molecular biology experiment. It is undoubtedly that Gelred and Green View are the best nucleic acid dyes in terms of security. However, EB and Green View have advantages in price. Therfore, Greenview is a suitable alternative to replace strong carcinogen of EB.