Guanidine thiocyanate is a strong protein denaturant and a potent inhibitor of nucleases. It serves as a nucleic acid protector in the extraction of DNA and RNA from cells and is a common component of buffers used for nucleic acid extraction. It can also inactivate high-consequence enveloped viruses like Ebola, Marburg, Rift Valley Fever, West Nile, influenza, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and SARS-CoV-2, as well as poliovirus infectious materials.
- Strong protein denaturant
- Potent inhibitor of nucleases
- Nucleic acid protector in DNA and RNA extraction
- Component of buffers for nucleic acid extraction
- Effective in inactivating various enveloped and infectious viruses