MIDORI Green Xtra

1. MIDORI Green Xtra – Ultra-Sensitive DNA/RNA Staining with Low Background Fluorescence

MIDORI Green Xtra is a green fluorescent nucleic acid stain developed for highly sensitive DNA and RNA detection in agarose gels. It offers an alternative to ethidium bromide (EtBr), aiming to improve laboratory safety while maintaining clear fluorescence signals.

One of its key advantages is its very low background fluorescence, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio and helps users identify DNA bands present in low amounts. MIDORI Green Xtra is optimized for blue LED and blue/green LED illumination. UV illumination can also be used, although it is not the manufacturer's preferred option.

The product supports both in-gel staining and post-electrophoresis staining, providing flexibility for nucleic acid analysis workflows in molecular biology laboratories.

Key Benefits

• High sensitivity: Supports the detection of low-abundance DNA/RNA bands.
• Low background fluorescence: Improves contrast between nucleic acid bands and the gel background.
• Strong LED fluorescence signals: Optimized for blue LED and blue/green LED illumination.
• Two staining methods: Suitable for both in-gel staining and poststaining.
• Alternative to EtBr: According to the manufacturer, the product is non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, and non-toxic based on the reported safety assessments.
• Flexible workflow: Suitable for a variety of DNA/RNA analysis applications using agarose gel electrophoresis.

What Makes MIDORI Green Xtra Different?

The combination of high sensitivity and low background fluorescence is a key differentiator of MIDORI Green Xtra. When used with a suitable illumination system, these properties help produce clearly visible nucleic acid bands, particularly when detecting low amounts of DNA.

2. Technical Specifications

Note: The working concentration and staining protocol should be selected according to the intended application. Consult the latest manufacturer's manual before implementation.

3. Applications and Protocols

3.1. Applications

MIDORI Green Xtra is suitable for molecular biology laboratories using agarose gel electrophoresis for:

• Analysis of PCR products and amplified DNA.
• Analysis of DNA following extraction or purification.
• DNA marker visualization and DNA fragment size assessment.
• RNA detection in agarose gels.
• Analysis of samples containing low amounts of DNA.
• Molecular biology research and assay development workflows.

3.2. In-Gel Staining

In this method, the stain is added to the agarose solution before the gel is cast.

Reference workflow:

1. Prepare agarose solution at a concentration suitable for the target DNA fragment sizes.
2. Heat until the agarose is completely dissolved.
3. Allow the solution to cool to the appropriate temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions, then add MIDORI Green Xtra at the recommended concentration.
4. Mix gently, pour the gel, and allow it to solidify completely.
5. Load the DNA/RNA samples, perform electrophoresis, and visualize the bands using a suitable gel documentation system.

3.3. Poststaining

MIDORI Green Xtra can also be used to stain the gel after electrophoresis.

• Prepare the staining solution using the dilution and buffer specified in the manual.
• Immerse the gel in the staining solution for an appropriate period, depending on gel thickness and the amount of target DNA.
• After staining, visualize the gel using a blue LED or blue/green LED system.
• Refer to the manufacturer's technical notes to optimize staining time and imaging conditions.

Important: Follow the relevant manufacturer's manual for dilution ratios, staining times, and detailed procedures. Do not automatically apply the protocols for MIDORI Green Advance or MIDORI Green Direct to MIDORI Green Xtra.

4. Compatibility and Technical Considerations

4.1. Compatibility

MIDORI Green Xtra is designed for in-gel staining and poststaining. If a stain that can be added directly to the sample and includes loading dye is required, MIDORI Green Direct should be considered instead of using MIDORI Green Xtra in an unsupported workflow.

4.2. Safety and Handling

According to the manufacturer, MIDORI Green Xtra was developed as an alternative to ethidium bromide, with safety assessments including the Ames test and cytotoxicity testing. These test results do not eliminate the need to follow laboratory safety procedures.

• Read the SDS before use.
• Wear appropriate gloves and personal protective equipment.
• Avoid direct contact with the stain and used staining solutions.
• Dispose of waste according to the SDS and laboratory procedures.

4.3. Troubleshooting Common Issues

White smearing when using Orange G and UV illumination

According to the manufacturer's FAQ, combining MIDORI Green Xtra with Orange G may cause white smearing under UV illumination. This can be avoided by using blue LED or blue/green LED detection, or by choosing a different loading dye.

The stain migrates out of the gel during prolonged electrophoresis

The stain carries a charge opposite to that of DNA and may migrate in the opposite direction, causing the gel to become destained. The manufacturer recommends using a higher agarose concentration and a shorter run when appropriate for the analytical objective.

Precipitation after storage at 4°C

According to the manufacturer's guidance, warm the stain to room temperature or 37°C for several minutes, then vortex before use.

Contact Us for Technical Support and Quotations

PACIFICLAB – Laboratory reagents and molecular biology solutions.

Contact PacificLab for technical consultation, assistance in selecting the appropriate nucleic acid stain for your electrophoresis system, and quotations for MIDORI Green Xtra.

☎️ 0989 092 258
📩 info@pacificlab.vn
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