Non-aqueous, zwitterionic solvent as an alternative for dimethyl sulfoxide in the life sciences
Open Access
- 11 November 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Communications Chemistry
- Vol. 3 (1), 1-7
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-020-00409-7
Abstract
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as a solvent in the life sciences, however, it is somewhat toxic and affects cell behaviours in a range of ways. Here, we propose a zwitterionic liquid (ZIL), a zwitterion-type ionic liquid containing histidine-like module, as a new alternative to DMSO. ZIL is not cell permeable, less toxic to cells and tissues, and has great potential as a vehicle for various hydrophobic drugs. Notably, ZIL can serve as a solvent for stock solutions of platinating agents, whose anticancer effects are completely abolished by dissolution in DMSO. Furthermore, ZIL possesses suitable affinity to the plasma membrane and acts as a cryoprotectant. Our results suggest that ZIL is a potent, multifunctional and biocompatible solvent that compensates for many shortcomings of DMSO.Keywords
Funding Information
- MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (ACT-X, JPMJAX1915)
- MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (KAKENHI, 18K14281, KAKENHI, 17K07181)
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Leading Initiative for Excellent Young Researchers)
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