DEAE Dextran

€630,00 EUR

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Specification Safety Data Sheet

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Contact Information:
Email: order.maglebiopolymers@maglegroup.com
Phone: +46 40 38 33 00
Address: Københavnsvej 140
4600 Køge
Denmark

DEAE Dextran is a cationic derivative of dextran cationic (positively charged) in which diethylaminoethyl groups are attached to the dextran backbone (typically via chloride salt of the tertiary amine). The DEAE-Dextran is based on 750,000 Da dextran biopolymer.

It appears as a white to light tan powder and is highly water soluble. By introducing positively charged DEAE groups, the neutral dextran is transformed into a polycation. DEAE Dextran is historically significant as one of the first polymer-based transfection reagents and remains used for various biochemical applications requiring a polycationic polymer.

Gene Transfection: DEAE Dextran is used in a method for DNA transfection into mammalian cells. The positively charged polymer binds to negatively charged DNA, forming complexes that facilitate uptake by endocytosis. It is used for transient transfection of cells.
Vaccine Adjuvant: Because of its ability to stimulate immune cells, DEAE Dextran is used as an adjuvant in some vaccines to enhance the immune response, polycationic dextrans boosts antigen uptake by antigen-presenting cells.
Virology: DEAE Dextran can promote the infection of certain viruses in vitro by helping viral DNA enter host cells, and conversely it can also precipitate and concentrate viruses or DNA at appropriate concentrations.
Cell Culture: Added at low levels to cell culture media to aid attachment of cells or to neutralize excess negative charge on cell surfaces.
Used in chromatography as a solubilizing agent for negatively charged molecules.

Common Applications

Gene Transfection: DEAE Dextran is used in a method for DNA transfection into mammalian cells. The positively charged polymer binds to negatively charged DNA, forming complexes that facilitate uptake by endocytosis. It is used for transient transfection of cells.
Vaccine Adjuvant: Because of its ability to stimulate immune cells, DEAE Dextran is used as an adjuvant in some vaccines to enhance the immune response, polycationic dextrans boosts antigen uptake by antigen-presenting cells.
Virology: DEAE Dextran can promote the infection of certain viruses in vitro by helping viral DNA enter host cells, and conversely it can also precipitate and concentrate viruses or DNA at appropriate concentrations.
Cell Culture: Added at low levels to cell culture media to aid attachment of cells or to neutralize excess negative charge on cell surfaces.
Used in chromatography as a solubilizing agent for negatively charged molecules.

Handling & Compatibility

Handling: Use gloves and eye protection; the powder can be irritant due to its hygroscopic, alkaline nature. It should be kept tightly closed due to absorption of moisture and carbon dioxide and may become pasty over time. When preparing solutions, add the polymer to water to avoid aggregation.
Sterilization: Filter sterilization (0.22 µm) is suggested, DEAE dextran passes through filters easily at working concentrations. Autoclaving is generally acceptable as DEAE groups are stable to heat in neutral pH.
Compatibility: As a polycation, DEAE-Dextran will interact with negatively charged substances. Avoid combining with polyanions unless intentional. Compatible with typical cell culture media and buffers though at high concentrations it may precipitate phosphate. It can destabilize some proteins by binding to acidic residues if used in excess.
Cleaning: Surfaces exposed to DEAE Dextran may become coated, wash with dilute acetic acid or detergent to remove any polycation residue.

Key Properties

Charge: DEAE Dextran is polycationic and it carries a positive charge on each diethylaminoethyl substituent, giving strong overall cationic character.
Solubility: Extremely water-soluble (the charged groups enhance solubility even in colder water). It dissolves to make clear, slightly viscous solutions. Insoluble in organic solvents like acetone but can dissolve in polar protic solvents like formamide.
Viscosity: Similar to the parent dextran of equivalent size – a 1% solution of DEAE-Dextran (~750k) is moderately viscous.
Stability: Dry powder is stable if protected from moisture as amines can absorb CO₂ and moisture over time. In solution, stable at 2–8°C for months. Avoid strong base, as it may cause degradation of the DEAE groups.
Available in smaller packs (100 and 500g) and bulk quantities (> 5kg).

Additional Features

Low bioburden.
Meets residual solvent criteria.
Kosher and allergen-free status usually available due to non-animal, fermentation origin.