Poly-ᴅ-Lysine Hydrobromide

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.

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.

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.

Liquid. 20ml in sterile water.

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.