Overview

PhotoDextran® is 1 gram of lyophilized methacrylated dextran. PhotoDextran® provides 3D hydrogels that can be prepared at multiple concentrations and photocrosslinked (requires a photoinitiator) to provide various gel stiffness. Can be mixed with other photocrosslinkable ECM's.

Directions for Use:
3D Hydrogel Preparation:
Note: Employ aseptic practices to maintain the sterility of the product throughout the preparation.
Recommended concentrations are 50-200 mg/ml (5-20%).
Note: The following instructions are for a 5% hydrogel.

· Add 20 ml of 1X cold phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or cell culture media to the 1 gram of lyophilized methacrylated dextran powder.
· Mix on a shaker table or rotator plate until fully solubilized (~30 to 60 minutes) at 2-10°C. Note: Solubilization times may vary depending on the desired concentration and volume of PBS or medium added.
· Solubilize the photoinitiator at the recommended concentration, and add desired volume to your PhotoDextran®. See table below for concentration and volume recommendations.
· Add your cells to the solution if desired. Cells can also be added on top of crosslinked hydrogels.
· Dispense your PhotoDextran/photoinitiator/cell solution into the desired cultureware (i.e. 6-well plate, 48-well plate, etc...).
· Photocrosslink until a hydrogel of the desired stiffness has formed.

Photoinitiator	Photoinitiator Solubilization	Amount to add to PhotoDextran Solution
Irgacure	100 mg/ml in Methanol	Multiply total volume of PhotoDextran by 0.01. Add this amount of Irgacure solution.
LAP	17 mg/ml in 1X PBS or Media	Multiply total volume of PhotoDextran by 0.02. Add this amount of LAP solution.
Ruthenium Sodium Persulfate	Ruthenium - 37.4 mg/ml in 1X PBS or Media Sodium Persulfate - 119 mg/ml in 1X PBS or Media	Multiply total volume of PhotoDextran by 0.02. Add this amount of both Ruthenium AND Sodium Persulfate solutions.

Note: Longer exposure allows more crosslinking, though each cell type withstands different degrees of UV light and free radical exposure (generated by the photoinitiator) that mediates crosslinking.

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Properties
- Molecular Weight
  
  35,000-50,000 Da
  
  Other Properties
  
  Sterilization Method: Filtration
  Sterility - USP modified: No growth
  Form: Lyophilized Powder
  Package Size: 1 gram
  Storage Temperature: -20°C
  Shelf Life: Minimum of 6 months from date of receipt
  Shelf Life After Reconstitution: 1 Month
  Degree of Methacrylation: 45-65%
  Endotoxin - IU/g: <10
  
  Storage
  
  Once solubilized, the PhotoDextran® can be stored at 2-10°C for 1 month.
  
  * For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.