PROTAMINE SULFATE GRADE III FROM HERRING

Uses

May be used for the removal of DNA from protein samples or for the purification of DNA binding proteins. It may be used as an alternative to polybrene in retroviral-mediated gene transfer.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Protamine in the form of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) promoted transfection with plasmid DNA more efficiently and with less cytotoxicity than comparable SLNs composed of Esterquat-1.

Purification Methods

Protamine sulfate is a strongly basic protein (white powder, see pK) used to precipitate nucleic acids from crude protein extracts. It dissolves to the extent of 1.25% in H2O. It is freely soluble in hot H2O but separates as an oil on cooling. It has been purified by chromatography on an IRA-400 ion-exchange resin in the SO 4 form and is washed with dilute H2SO4. Eluates are freeze-dried under high vacuum below 20o. This method is used to convert proteamine and protamine hydrochloride to the sulfate. [UV: Rasmussen Hoppe Seyler's Z Physiol Chem 224 97 1934, Ando & Sawada J Biochem (Tokyo) 49 252 1961, Felix & Hashimoto Hoppe Seyler's Z Physiol Chem 330 205 1963.]