Guanidine Thiocyanate (Guanidinium thiocyanate or guanidinium isothiocyanate), a powerful protein denaturant, is most often used to inactivate endogenous RNases in the isolation of RNA from various tissues and bacteria. When used with acid-equilibrated phenol or phenol: chloroform, a solution of Guanidine Thiocyanate and beta-mercaptoethanol are very effective in disrupting both cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes while maintaining the integrity of the RNA.
Guanidine Thiocyanate from Bio Basic has been manufactured and specially packaged to provide a higher purity nuclease-free product.
References:
1. Chomczynski, P. and N. Sacchi. 1987. Anal. Biochem. 162:156-159.
2. Kedzierski, W. and J.C. Porter. 1991. BioTechniques. 10:210-214.
3. Chirgwin, J.M., et.al., 1979. Biochem. 18:5294.
4. Maniatis, T., et. al., 1989. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed. Cold Spring Harbor Press.