The data sheet provided with my X-gal powder is stunningly cryptic. It mentions that X-gal stock solutions should preferably be stored at -20 in a glass container, since DMF (which can be used to prepare an X-gal stock) can dissolve some plastics. However, it also points out that X-gal can be prepared using DMSO, which I plan to do.
So, does X-gal dissolved in DMSO also has to be stored in glass? I would just store my whole stock this way, but then another question is raised; can X-gal stock solutions withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles? If I'm going to aliquot my stock, the only containers available to me are plastic.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
I routinely aliquot stocks of X-gal in 1.5mL PP plastic microcentrifuge tubes and freeze it. I aliquot in smallish volumes so the individual tube does not go through more than 2 or 3 freeze thaw cycles. Glass is not a requirement but it should be kept out of the light. Store aliquots in a box or wrap tubes in foil for longer term storage.
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