Poly-L-lysine is a positively charged amino acid polymer. Poly-lysine binds to DNA, red cell membrane and any negatively charged protein. It is typically used as a coating substrate for culture dishes, slides, etc. It enhances electrostatic interaction between negatively charged ions of the cell membrane and the culture surface. When adsorbed to the culture surface, poly-lysine increases the number of positively charged sites available for cell binding.
Poly-L-lysine is a nonspecific attachment factor for cells useful in promoting cell adhesion to solid substrates. Polymers of both D- and L-lysine are used to coat slides. However, certain cells can digest poly-L-lysine; in this situation, poly-D-lysine should be used as the attachment factor so that the cells are not disrupted by excessive uptake of L-lysine. The lower molecular weight poly-lysine (30,000-70,000) is easier to use because it is less viscous in solution; however, the higher molecular weights of poly-lysine have more attachement sites per molecule available to the cells. A compromise between the easier to use lower molecular weight products and the extremely viscous higher molecular weights would be the products in the range of 70,000-150,000.
Other applications of Poly-L-lysine include
- Conjugation to methotrexate for increased drug transport
- Microencapsulation of islets
- Use in simple reproducible procedure for chromosomal preparations from a variety of tissues
- Immobilation of living cells in biocompatible semipermeable microcapsules
- In the preparation of polycationic beads
- Conjugation to albumin and horseradish peroxidase to enhance cellular uptake
Poly-L-lysine is a nonspecific attachment factor for cells useful in promoting cell adhesion to solid substrates by enhancing electrostatic interaction between negatively charged ions of the cell membrane and the culture surface. When it is absorbed to the cell culture surface, poly-L-lysine functions to increase the number of positively charged sites available for cell binding. With cells that can digest poly-L-lysine, poly-D-lysine should be used as the attachment factor.
Key Applications: Attachment factor for tissue culture.
Application Areas: Cell Biology & Analysis
Product Type: Biochemicals
Presentation: Beige Powder
Format: Powder
Molecular Weight: 30,000-70,000 kDa
NOTES: There is approximately one HBr or HCl per lysine unit. The HBr/HCl allows it to be a crystalline solid and soluble in water. To remove the HBr/HCl, solubilize the product in a neutral buffer and dialyze away the salts.
Solubility: Soluble in water (50mg/mL) clear, colorless solution.
Storage & Handling: -20°C