Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a polar aprotic solvent capable of dissolving both polar and nonpolar compounds. This organosulfur compound is used to induce cellular differentiation, as a component of PCR mixes, to protect cryogenically frozen samples, etc.
DMSO is a polar aprotic solvent used in chemical reactions, in polymerase chain reactions and as a cryoprotectant vitrification agent for the preservation of cells, tissues and organs. DMSO is used in cell freezing media to protect cells from ice crystal induced mechanical injury.