Dextran Sulphate is a polyanionic derivative of Dextran. It is supplied as a white, sodium salt powder, stabilized by a small amount of phosphate. Dextran Sulphate is freely soluble in water and salt solutions forming a stable, clear solution, which may be sterilized by sterile filtration. The powder is stable for more than 6 years if stored at room temperature in airtight containers.
pK Chemicals manufactures two types of Dextran Sulphates:
The high purity and reproducible quality of Dextran Sulphate makes it suitable for many applications in molecular biology and the health-care sector. The applications listed below are well documented.
Dextran sulphate is a common ingredient in cosmetics where is it use for a broad range of different properties. It has for example shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in several studies. It is also used for moisture retention and for providing a smooth, fresh and “non-sticky” feeling to cosmetics. Anti-wrinkle, anti-aging and anti-allergic properties have also been documented1.
Dextran sulphate has anticoagulant properties 2 . It is therefore often used in cell media to diminish cell aggregation.
The hybridization rate of nucleic acid can be increased with dextran sulphate3.
Dextran sulphate has shown anti-viral properties for several different viruses4.
Separation of lipoproteins is another application area of dextran sulphate. LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (High-density lipoprotein) will precipitate with various concentrations of dextran sulphate5. Dextran sulphate can also act as a stabilizer of proteins and enzymes by forming a high molecular weight complex with the compound6.