Dextran Conjugation
Dextran Conjugation - Related Videos
02:50
Conjugated Proteins
0 Views •
2020
Simple proteins and protein complexes contain only amino acids. In contrast, many other proteins, called conjugated proteins, covalently bond with non-protein moieties. Nucleoproteins are protein complexes that contain nucleic acids, categorized as deoxyribonucleoproteins (DNPs) or ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) respectively. The nucleosome is a typical example of a DNP where nuclear DNA is associated with histone proteins. The major antigen for the Covid-19 virus SARS-CoV is an RNP that is critical...
02:56
FITC-Dextran Feeding: A Method to Quantify Intestinal Permeability in C. elegans
0 Views •
2023
This video introduces a method of to visualize and measure the integrity of the C. elegans intestine lumen by feeding worms FITC-labeled dextran. The example protocol shows the assay done with 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM)-treated and pathogen-fed worms.
12:00
Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
0 Views •
Cited by 9 •
2015
The objective of this protocol is to incorporate SDF-1α, a stem cell homing factor, into dextran sulfate-chitosan nanoparticles. The resultant particles are measured for their size and zeta potential, as well as the content, activity, and in vitro release rate of SDF-1α from the nanoparticles.
01:19
Conjugation
0 Views •
2025
Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene transfer that primarily occurs in bacteria and some archaea, promoting genetic diversity and adaptation. Bacteria can acquire resistance genes through conjugative plasmids, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatments that would otherwise be lethal. This process involves direct contact between cells through specialized structures such as the sex pilus and is mediated by conjugative plasmids, including the F (fertility) factor.Conjugation requires...
07:35
Lineage Labeling of Zebrafish Cells with Laser Uncagable Fluorescein Dextran
0 Views •
Cited by 8 •
2011
This protocol delineates a way to label and trace the fate of small groups of cells zebrafish embryos using UV-uncaging of caged fluorescein, followed by whole mount immunolabeling to amplify the signal from the uncaged fluorescein.
FAQs
Dextran’s hydroxyl groups provide chemical sites for attaching a partner molecule, but they commonly require activation before forming a stable covalent bond. Activation increases their ability to react with complementary functional groups on fluorescent probes, proteins, or drugs. Controlling this chemistry helps produce conjugates with the intended attachment while preserving the properties needed for biological experiments.
Reactive linkers introduce a chemically suitable connection between dextran and a partner molecule when the available functional groups do not readily react with one another. They can support stable bond formation under controlled conditions and expand the range of molecules that can be coupled. This flexibility is important when designing conjugates for labeling, delivery, or transport studies.
The size of a dextran conjugate can influence how it moves through extracellular spaces, tissues, and cellular pathways. Because conjugates may differ in size as well as chemical composition, researchers can examine macromolecular movement, vascular leakage, and transport behavior under different biological conditions. Size therefore becomes an important variable when interpreting localization or distribution.
Covalent attachment may alter a molecule’s solubility, stability, and cellular behavior. These changes can affect how a fluorescent probe performs during visualization, how a protein behaves in a biological environment, or how a drug participates in delivery studies. The resulting conjugate is therefore evaluated not only for successful coupling, but also for its behavior in the intended experiment.
A typical procedure selects either activated dextran hydroxyl groups or a dextran bearing reactive linkers, then combines it with a molecule carrying complementary functional groups. The reaction is performed under controlled conditions so stable bonds form without compromising the intended conjugate. Subsequent biological use depends on the resulting chemical properties, size, and behavior of the coupled material.
Dextran conjugates are useful when researchers need to visualize cell labeling, membrane permeability, or intracellular trafficking. Their behavior also supports studies of extracellular spaces, vascular leakage, and macromolecular movement through tissues. Fluorescent versions provide visualization, while protein- or drug-containing versions can help investigate transport and delivery-related behavior in biological systems.