Polybrene (10 mg/mL)

Polybrene (Hexadimethrine Bromide) is a positively charged polymer commonly used in biomedical research to enhance the efficiency of viral gene transduction, particularly with lentiviruses and retroviruses. Its main mechanism involves neutralizing electrostatic repulsion between viral particles and negatively charged sialic acids on cell surfaces, allowing improved viral attachment and uptake by target cells. Additionally, Polybrene can enhance lipid-mediated DNA transfections, improving transfection efficiency in cell lines that typically exhibit lower responsiveness. Beyond transfection applications, it serves as an anti-heparin reagent in assays involving nonspecific erythrocyte agglutination and assists in peptide sequencing protocols by minimizing peptide degradation. Provided as a sterile-filtered solution at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in 0.9% NaCl, it maintains consistent performance. Initial cell toxicity studies are recommended, as prolonged exposure (over 12 hours) may cause cytotoxicity in some cell types.