Ethidium bromide, commonly employed in molecular biology laboratories, has been widely used for many years as a nucleic acid stain and a non-radioactive marker for identifying and visualizing nucleic acid bands in electrophoresis. A reddish-orange fluorescence can be detected under both long and short ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths of light, with increased fluorescence when bound to double-stranded DNA.

View a second image of ethidium bromide.

Known also as ethobromide, homidium bromide, and dromilac, ethidium bromide has a molecular weight of 394.31 and the rather complex chemical name of 3,8-diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide. Appearing as dark red crystals when not in aqueous solution, ethidium bromide melts at approximately 239 degrees Celsius and is reportedly odorless. Ethidium bromide is a relatively large, flat basic molecule that somewhat resembles a DNA base pair. Because of its chemical structure, it can easily insert into a DNA strand, making it handy for experimental purposes, but dangerous to handle by the investigator.

As a well-studied DNA-specific fluorochrome, ethidium bromide is used with the Olympus WIG fluorescence filter cube and demonstrates a characteristic excitation wavelength of 545 nanometers and an emission wavelength of 605 nanometers. After binding to DNA, ethidium exhibits an increased fluorescence, and the DNA bands in the electrophoresis gels can be readily observed by examination under illumination by an ultraviolet lamp.

Although it is not regulated as a hazardous waste, the strong mutagenic and poisonous properties and possible carcinogenic and teratogenic characteristics of ethidium bromide should dictate its careful handling and disposal as a biohazard. Higher concentrations in electrophoretic gels are indicated when the color of the gel is dark pink or red, and such gels should be destained before disposal. The dust of ethidium bromide is very toxic by inhalation and is considered a severe respiratory irritant. If ethidium bromide solution or crystals contact skin, it will stain light to deep purple. An effective barrier to short-term exposure is created when lab gloves and other laboratory protective gear are made of nitrile. Newer fluorescent dyes have been developed for detecting nucleic acid components, which are much less toxic and risky than ethidium bromide, while featuring lower background fluorescence.

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