UNASSIGNED: We provide a detailed resource on the effectiveness and limitations of TRIzol™ Reagent, a product commonly used in molecular biology to inactivate bacterial and viral pathogens found in wild animals.
UNASSIGNED: By literature review, we evaluate the mode of action of TRIzol Reagent and its main components on bacterial and viral structures. We also synthesize peer-reviewed literature on the effectiveness of TRIzol in inactivating a broad range of infectious bacteria and viruses.
UNASSIGNED: TRIzol Reagent inactivation is based on phenol, chaotropic salts, and sodium acetate. We find evidence of widespread efficacy in deactivating bacteria and a broad range of enveloped viruses. The efficacy against a subset of potential pathogens, including some nonenveloped viruses, remains uncertain.
UNASSIGNED: Available evidence suggests that TRIzol Reagent is effective in inactivating a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses from cells, tissues, and liquids in biological samples when the matrices are exposed to at least 10 min at room temperature to the reagent. We highlight areas that require additional research and discuss implications for laboratory protocols.