Zeocin™ Selection Reagent

All of our antibiotics (Geneticin, Zeocin, Hygromycin B, Blasticidin, and Puromycin) can be used together for making multiple stable cell lines. However, kill curves will need to be performed for each combination of antibiotics since sensitivity to a given antibiotic tends to increase when combined with other antibiotics.

Zeocin is a formulation of phleomycin D1, a basic, water-soluble, copper-chelated glycopeptide isolated from Streptomyces verticillus. The presence of copper gives the solution its blue color. This copper-chelated form is inactive. When the antibiotic enters the cell, the copper cation is reduced from Cu2+ to Cu1+ and removed by sulfhydryl compounds in the cell. Upon removal of the copper, Zeocin is activated and will bind DNA and cleave it, causing cell death.

MW=1,535. Molecular formula: C60H89N21O21S3.

For best results, optimal concentrations for selection should be determined empirically in each unique experiment through dose response curves. However, to get a general idea of concentrations that have worked for individual cell types, please click on the following url: http://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/cell-culture/transfection/selection.html or type in “Selection Antibiotics” into our main search on www.thermofisher.com.

Zeocin, in media or other liquid form, is a health hazard when it comes in contact with your skin or upon ingestion. When it is in the powder solid form, it can become a respiratory hazard as well as contact and ingestion hazard. If the liquid or media is placed in an autoclavable bag, it can be autoclaved. The elevated temperatures within the autoclave will inactivate Zeocin. Sodium hypochloride (bleach) will also inactivate Zeocin. We highly recommend wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, and eye protection) when handling Zeocin.