Is it possible to substitute 2-mercaptoethanol with something else during DNA extraction from soil/sediments that contain plant material? We do not have access to proper fume hoods but only laminar flow hoods (with positive flow). Any recommendation on how to work with mercaptoethanol in such environment or how to substitute it?
Dear Laura
I recommend the use of sulfhydryl reductant tris(2-
carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) that is an attractive alternative to commonly used DTT or mercaptoethanol.
Hope it helps
TCEP is safest of the three commonly used reducing agents and also smell free, followed by DTT which is smelly as well but safer than BME
B-ME usage is a strict no no in the absence of a fume Hood, considering its highly hazardous nature. It's highly toxic, corrosive, health and environmental hazard.
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