GelRed™ and GelGreen™ are a new generation of fluorescent DNA stains designed to replace the highly toxic ethidium bromide (EtBr).
A number of ethidium bromide alternatives are marketed as being safe. In fact, many so-called “safe” gel stains contain dyes that are well known to bind DNA in living cells, with cytotoxic effects.
GelRed™ and GelGreen™ are designed to be nontoxic and nonmutagenic by virtue of being cell membrane impermeable, so they cannot enter living cells.
Comparison of mutagenicity
GelGreen™ are superior to EtBr and other ethidium bromide alternatives by having a combination of low toxicity, high sensitivity and exceptional stability.