Structure
FITC-CM-dextrans are manufactured by reacting selected dextran fractions with an activated carboxymethyl derivative in alkali whereby O-carboxymethyl groups are introduced along the dextran chain. The carboxyl content is approximately 5% which is equivalent to about one CM group for every five glucose units. Thereafter, fluorescein (FITC) groups are introduced by reaction with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The degree of substitution of FITC lies between 0.003 – 0.008.
Spectral data
FITC-CM-dextran has an excitation maximum of 490 – 495 nm and an emission maximum of 520 ± 5 nm.
Storage and stability
FITC-CM-dextran is stable for more than 6 years when stored dry in well-sealed containers at ambient temperature.
Solubility
FITC-CM-dextran dissolves readily in water.
Applications
FITC-CM-dextrans are mostly used for studies of permeability and microcirculation. The carboxyl groups will impart an overall negative charge to the molecule, which may be valuable in gaining information on the permeability characteristics of cell membranes and tissues. The free carboxyl group is also useful for coupling other substances to the dextran chain. Read more about applications here.
