GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 Review

Let’s Dive into GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01

The GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 from GE Healthcare, is a high molecular weight polysaccharide used primarily in life science research. Its primary function is as a void volume marker in gel filtration chromatography, helping determine the exclusion limit of columns. This might sound like a niche application, but for those of us in the bio-sciences, it’s a critical component in protein and molecule separation and analysis.

My journey to the GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 started when my lab experienced inconsistent results with our existing gel filtration column calibration. We needed a reliable marker to ensure accurate size exclusion chromatography, and the GE product kept popping up in literature as the gold standard. Unboxing the GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 felt almost anticlimactic – it’s a small, unassuming bottle containing the blue powder. However, the certificate of analysis included gave me confidence in its purity and molecular weight.

Alternatives we considered included similar dextran products from Sigma-Aldrich and TCI Chemicals. However, the GE product consistently had better reported batch-to-batch consistency and was directly referenced in several of our established protocols. I was excited to see if it would improve the reproducibility of our size exclusion chromatography experiments.

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Real-World Testing: Putting GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 to the Test

First Use Experience

The first time I used the GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01, was to calibrate a Superdex 200 Increase 10/300 GL column on our ÄKTA protein purification system. Dissolving the Blue Dextran in our running buffer was straightforward, and the solution was a vibrant blue color. The ease of use was impressive; the protocol was simple to follow, and the clear visual marker made it easy to track the void volume.

Under controlled lab conditions, performance was excellent. The blue peak was sharp and well-defined, providing a precise measurement of the column’s void volume. There were no immediate issues or surprises beyond the usual care required to prevent contamination when handling any biochemical reagent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After months of regular use, the GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 has proven to be remarkably reliable. The product maintains its consistency over time, provided it is stored correctly in a cool, dry place. Durability isn’t really a factor for a powdered chemical reagent, as long as proper storage protocols are followed.

Maintenance is minimal: just ensure the stock solution is freshly prepared and filtered before use to avoid introducing particulates into the chromatography system. Compared to previous, less refined markers, the GE product has significantly improved the reproducibility and accuracy of our gel filtration experiments. It’s a clear outperformer in terms of reliability and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01

Specifications

• Description: Blue Dextran 2000, 10g. The Blue Dextran 2000 is a high molecular weight polysaccharide, approximately 2,000 kDa, covalently bound to Blue dye.
• GE No.: 17-0360-01. This is the GE Healthcare catalog number for easy reordering and reference.
• Unit: Each (10 G). Each bottle contains 10 grams of Blue Dextran 2000.

These specifications are crucial because they define the product’s suitability for its intended purpose. The high molecular weight ensures it elutes in the void volume of most gel filtration columns, providing a clear and accurate marker.

Performance & Functionality

The GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 excels at its primary function: determining the void volume of gel filtration columns. Its strengths lie in its high molecular weight, ease of use, and reliable performance. The only potential weakness is its relatively high cost compared to some alternatives.

It consistently meets and exceeds our expectations in terms of providing a reliable marker for column calibration. The accuracy and reproducibility it provides are essential for our research.

Design & Ergonomics

As a powdered chemical reagent, “design” is less of a concern than purity and consistency. The product is supplied in a small, amber glass bottle with a secure cap. Build quality is adequate for its intended use.

The product is user-friendly; dissolving the powder is simple and requires no special equipment. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Provided it’s stored correctly, the Blue Dextran 2000 has a long shelf life. The key to maintenance is preventing contamination of the stock solution. This involves using sterile technique and filtering the solution before use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01 doesn’t require any specific accessories. It’s compatible with any gel filtration chromatography system. There are no real “customization” options, as the product is designed for a specific purpose.

Pros and Cons of GE, Blue Dextran 2000, 10g, 17-0360-01