Merck, L9641-5MG, Lipopolysaccharides (rough strains) from Escherichia coli EH100 (Ra mutant)

General description
This product is phenol:chloroform:petroleum ether extracted from E. coli EH 100 (Ra mutant). The source strain is from a private collection.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are localized in the outer layer of the membrane and are, in noncapsulated strains, exposed on the cell surface. They contribute to the integrity of the outer membrane, and protect the cell against the action of bile salts and lipophilic antibiotics.
Preparation Note
Prepared by phenol-chloroform-petroleum ether extraction.

The product is soluble in water (5 mg/ml) or cell culture medium (1 mg/ml) yielding a hazy, faint yellow solution. A more concentrated, though still hazy, solution (20 mg/ml) has been achieved in aqueous saline after vortexing and warming to 70-80 oC. Lipopolysaccharides are molecules that form micelles in every solvent. Hazy solutions are observed in water and phosphate buffered saline. Organic solvents do not give clearer solutions. Methanol yields a turbid suspension with floaters, while water yields a homogeneously hazy solution.
Other Notes
To gain a comprehensive understanding of our extensive range of Lipopolysaccharides for your research, we encourage you to visit our Carbohydrates Category page.