DEAE-Dextran, a polycationic diethylaminoethyl ether of dextran is a stabilizing molecule and transfection reagent. The diethylaminoethyl groups are linked to glucose residues by ether linkages.
DEAE-Dextran is used in the development of sustained release protein delivery and nucleic acid transfection systems. The use of DEAE-Dextran as an efficient adjuvant in vaccine production is well established. For instance, DEAE-Dextran has been used for immunization of guinea pigs and swine with inactivated foot-and-mouth disease and rhesus monkeys with inactivated Venezulean equine encephalomyelitis virus, IVEE. The mechanism of action of DEAE-Dextran is not clear. The effect on the humoral response of rhesus monkeys to IVEE vaccine results in a typical IgM-IgG response. It has been speculated that DEAE-Dextran may cause a stimulation of the helper T-cell function in antibody synthesis.
DEAE-Dextran shows several important effects on cellular systems such as stimulates uptake of proteins and polynucleotides into cells, increases susceptibility of cells in culture to infection by viral RNA and DNA, increases sensitivity of viral plaque assays, inhibits growth of tumors in experimental animals, enhances antibody response in animals, stimulates interferon production induced by poly(I)-poly(C).
Prepared from Dextran MW: 500,000
Key Applications: Enhances the uptake of proteins and nucleic acids into cells
Application Areas: Molecular Biology
Product Type: Biochemicals
Biochemical Category: Carbohydrates
Chemical Class: Carbohydrates
Presentation: Off-white Powder
Format: Powder, Chloride Form
pH: 5.0 - 7.0
Loss on Drying: ≤10%
NOTES: Nitrogen: ~ 3.2%
Solubility: Soluble in water (100 mg/mL) and dilute salt solutions.
Sterilization of Solutions: Solutions can be sterilized by autoclaving even at low pH. Autoclaving can be done at 110-115°C. For 20% (w/v) or less solutions autoclave for approximately 30 minutes; for solutions above 20%, autoclave for approximately 15 minutes. Cool slowly.
Storage & Handling: Store at Room Temperature (15 - 30°C).