How to use DMSO safely

DMSO is widely used in biological and chemical experiments, almost irreplaceable, but how to safely use and protect DMSO?

Main uses of DMSO:

1, used as a drug solvent.

2, for the cryopreservation of cells, including stem cells, embryos and various cell cultures.

3. As osmotic accelerators in topical pharmaceutical preparations: diclofenac sodium topical solution (approved in the United States for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis) and iodouridine topical solution (approved in Europe for the treatment of shingles).

4, used as a drug to relieve interstitial bladder inflammation.

Main toxicity of DMSO:

It is permeable to human skin and irritating to the eyes.

DMSO has a certain toxic effect. It interacts with protein hydrophobic groups, leading to protein denaturation, and has vascular toxicity and hepatorenal toxicity. When it is used to avoid volatilization, it is necessary to prepare 1%-5% ammonia water for backup, and wash the skin with a lot of water and dilute ammonia water after it is stained.

The most common are nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and garlic, onion, and oyster smells on the skin and in exhaled breath.

Inhalation: High volatile concentrations may cause headache, dizziness and sedation.

Skin: Can burn the skin and make the skin tingle, as seen in rashes and blisters. Dimethyl sulfoxide produces a thermal reaction if it comes into contact with hydrated skin. Avoid contact with dimethyl sulfoxide solution containing toxic raw materials or substances, because its toxicity is not known, but dimethyl sulfoxide may penetrate the skin, under certain conditions will bring toxic substances into the skin.

Protective measures:

Avoid long-term, repeated, and high concentration contact. Wear nitrile gloves and safety goggles when using.

Emergency treatment:

Eyes: First check if the victim has contact lenses and remove them if they do. Flush the victim’s eyes with water or saline for 20 to 30 minutes while calling the hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointment, oil or medication into the victim’s eyes without specific instructions from a doctor. Even if no symptoms appear (such as redness or irritation), the eyes should be flushed first and the victim should be taken to the hospital immediately.

Skin: Immediately flush the affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Wash all affected areas of skin thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation occur, call a doctor immediately and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Inhalation: leave the contaminated area immediately; Take deep breaths of fresh air. If you develop symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or a burning sensation in your mouth, throat, or chest), call your doctor and prepare to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection for rescuers entering the unknown atmosphere. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) should be used whenever possible; If not, use a level of protection higher than or equal to that recommended in your protective clothing.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, drink 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and call the hospital or poison control center immediately. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if the doctor recommends it. If the victim convulses or loses consciousness, do not feed anything orally, make sure the victim’s airway is clear, and place the victim on his or her side with the head lower than the body. Don’t induce vomiting. Take the victim to the hospital immediately.

Recommended:

DMSO is a core component of cryoprotectant widely used in cell storage, but the current storage containers (flip-cap freezers, open vitrification freezers, etc.) are not completely closed, and the volatilization and leakage of DMSO are inevitable during long-term storage.

In order to prevent the leakage of passive organic solvents, as well as the leakage caused by the burst tube of the frozen storage tube, and ensure the safety of the laboratory, it is strongly recommended to use closed high-security storage consumables to store precious samples such as cells, embryos, and sperm.