Bleomycin is a complex of 11 glycopeptide antitumor antibiotics originally isolated from Streptomyces verticillus in 1972. The dominant components of the complex are bleomycin A2 and B2 and typically represent >90% of the total weight with the remainder comprising the minor analogues. Bleomycins have found clinical application in the treatment of a range of tumors. Bleomycins act by intercalation of DNA and RNA. In the presence of oxygen and metal ions, notably copper and iron, bleomycins form a pseudo- enzyme that induces DNA cleavage.
Solubility: Soluble in water, methanol with moderate ethanol solubility
Storage and Stability:
Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20 degrees C. Stable for 12 months at -20 degrees C. Reconstitute with sterile buffer or ddH2O. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Reconstituted product is stable for 6 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.