TRIzol is a widely used chemical solution used in the extraction of

DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid (; DNA) is a polymer composed of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix. The polymer carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of al ...

RNA Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polymeric molecule that is essential for most biological functions, either by performing the function itself (non-coding RNA) or by forming a template for the production of proteins (messenger RNA). RNA and deoxyrib ...

, and

proteins Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, re ...

from cells. The solution was initially used and published by Piotr Chomczyński and

Nicoletta Sacchi Nicoletta Sacchi (born August 20, 1949) is an Italian professor of oncology at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is the co-discoverer of the acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction method to extract RNA from bio ...

in 1987. TRIzol is the brand name of

guanidinium thiocyanate Guanidinium thiocyanate (GTC) or guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) is a chemical compound used as a general protein denaturant, being a chaotropic agent, although it is most commonly used as a nucleic acid protector in the extraction of DNA and RN ...

from the Ambion part of Life Technologies, and Tri-Reagent is the brand name from MRC, which was founded by Chomczynski.

Uses in extraction

The correct name of the method is

guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction Acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction (abbreviated AGPC) is a liquid–liquid extraction technique in biochemistry and molecular biology. It is widely used for isolating RNA (as well as DNA and protein in some cases). This metho ...

. The use of TRIzol can result in DNA yields comparable to other extraction methods, and it leads to >50% bigger RNA yield. An alternative method for

RNA extraction RNA extraction is the purification of RNA from biological samples. This procedure is complicated by the ubiquitous presence of ribonuclease enzymes in cells and tissues, which can rapidly degrade RNA. Several methods are used in molecular biology t ...

is phenol extraction and TCA/acetone precipitation. Chloroform should be exchanged with 1-bromo-3-chloropropane when using the new generation TRI Reagent. DNA and RNA from TRIzol and TRI reagent can also be extracted using the Direct-zol Miniprep kit by Zymo Research. This method eliminates the use of Chloroform and 1-bromo-3-chloropropane completely, bypassing phase-separation and precipitation steps. TRIzol is light-sensitive and is often stored in a dark-colored, glass container covered in foil. It is stored at room temperature. When used, it resembles cough syrup, bright pink. The smell of the

phenol Phenol (also known as carbolic acid, phenolic acid, or benzenol) is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula . It is a white crystalline solid that is volatile and can catch fire. The molecule consists of a phenyl group () ...

is extremely strong. TRIzol works by maintaining RNA integrity during tissue homogenization, while at the same time disrupting and breaking down cells and cell components.

Hazards

Vigilant caution should be taken while using TRIzol (due to the

and

chloroform Chloroform, or trichloromethane (often abbreviated as TCM), is an organochloride with the formula and a common solvent. It is a volatile, colorless, sweet-smelling, dense liquid produced on a large scale as a precursor to refrigerants and po ...

). TRIzol is labeled as acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity besides skin corrosion/irritation in the manufacturer MDS. Exposure to TRIzol can be a serious health hazard. Exposure can lead to serious chemical burns, permanent scarring and kidney failure. Experiments should be performed under a chemical hood, with lab coat, nitrile gloves and a plastic apron. Material Safety data sheet from MRC
TRIzol waste should never be mixed with bleach or acids: the guanidinium thiocyanate in TRIzol reacts to form highly toxic gases.

References

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External links

RNA extraction using trizol protocol on OpenWetWare
Molecular biology Biochemistry methods