Merck, A-003-E, Poly-D-Lysine solution, 1.0 mg/mL

General description
Poly - D Lysine (PDL), a chiral form of alpha polylysine is a synthetically produced cationic polypeptide. It is a non-specific cell adhesion molecule (CAM). PDL is used extensively as a coating material in in vitro and ex vivo experiments.
Application
Poly-D-Lysine has been used: To coat culture vessels and provide a suitable surface for the growth and attachment of neuronal cells.
In preparing the surface of coverslips for facilitating the attachment of non-adherent cells.

Biochem/physiol Actions
Poly-D Lysine, (PDL) being cationic, facilitates the interaction with anionic sites on the tissues/cells promoting effective attachment to the growing surface. Positively charged PDL interacts with negatively charged cell membranes and promotes neurite outgrowth. Covalently bound PDL layers promote long-term culture of neuronal cells.
Features and Benefits
Poly-D-Lysine (PDL) solution is diluted in phosphate buffer saline (PBS), water, or 0.1M borate buffer.
Working dilutions of 50μg/mL to 100μg/mL are usually adequate.
It has a surface coverage of 3-10μg/cm².
PDL can be stored at -20 ˚C for up to 18 months.
Plates are coated for 3 hours overnight and up to 3 days when stored at 4˚C.
PDL-coated plates are used immediately or stored in PBS for up to 5 days.

Physical form
Liquid. 20ml in sterile water.
Preparation Note
Store at -20C for upto 18 months.
The level of coating will vary for different species and types of cells. In general final coating concentrations from 3-10μg/cm² of surface area will typically supply sufficient coatings for most cell types. Surface area of plates: (pi)(Radius squared) in cm² In practical terms working dilutions of 50μg/mL to 100μg/mL are usually adequate. Dilute poly-D-lysine in PBS, water, or 0.1M borate buffer {prepared by adding 1.24 g boric acid and 1.9 g sodium tetraborate in 400 ml water, pH 8.5} to final working concentration. Plates or flasks are coated for 3 hours to overnight, and up to 3 days if stored at 4C. The best results are usually with just overnight coatings. Remove the poly-d-lysine solution and rinse with sterile PBS or water 1-2X. Do not scrape the bottom of the coated plates or flasks. Use plates immediately or store them with PBS for up to 5 days. Poly-D-lysine coating methods will vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory, please use the method as a general guide.