What is the importance of using polypropylene over polystyrene within the Senescence β-Galactosidase Staining Kit (#9860) protocol?

Polypropylene is necessary for the X-Gal solutions and when making the β-Galactosidase Staining Solution (Part D, Step #4 & #5 in our #9860 protocol) as the DMF that is used to dissolve the X-Gal will damage polystyrene tubes. The amount of DMF is very low once the β-Galactosidase Staining Solution is added to your cells (Part E, Step #5) and will not affect the plastic at that point. We routinely use polystyrene tissue culture dishes in-house when utilizing this kit.

Polyethylene is also not suitable to use when working with DMF as this solvent can deteriorate the plastic. However, we know this kit to work with DMSO as a suitable replacement for DMF and DMSO is compatible with polyethylene. 

Last updated: February 27, 2024