Skip to Content
Merck
All Photos(1)

Key Documents

GE17-0891-09

Sigma-Aldrich

Percoll®

Cytiva 17-0891-09, pack of 6 × 1 L

Synonym(s):

Percoll Density Gradient Media

Sign Into View Organizational & Contract Pricing
All Photos(1)

About This Item

UNSPSC Code:
12352207
NACRES:
NA.75

form

colloidal (Colloidal solution of silica coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP))
liquid (Suspension)
solution

packaging

pack of 6 × 1 L

manufacturer/tradename

Cytiva 17-0891-09

color

Colorless to slightly yellow

pH range

8.5-9.5

General description

Percoll® is a well-referenced media for density gradient centrifugation of cells, viruses, and subcellular particles. Percoll® is composed of colloidal silica coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).

Percoll® is a low viscosity density gradient medium for preparation of cells, subcellular particles, and larger viruses. The low viscosity of the medium enables cell preparation on preformed gradients in only a few minutes using low centrifugal forces (200 to 1000 × g). The medium is available in easy-to-open, resealable 250 mL and 1 l bottles.

Percoll® consists of silica particles (15 to 30 nm diameter) coated with non-dialyzable polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Free PVP is present at only 1% to 2%. Percoll® is non-toxic, almost chemically inert and does not adhere to membranes. Percoll® gradients can be formed within the density range of 1.0 to 1.3 g/mL, and are iso-osmotic throughout.

Percoll® can be stored unopened at room temperature for five years. At -20° C, it can only be stored for up to six months. If stored at -20° C, gradients form upon thawing, necessitating a mixing of the bottle before use. Preformed gradients can be stored for weeks without a change in gradient shape, provided that the gradient remains unfrozen. Percoll® can be buffered within the pH range 5.5 to 10.0 without any changes in properties. If the pH is dropped below 5.5, gelling may occur. Gelling can also be caused by the presence of divalent cations, an effect which is exacerbated by elevated temperatures.

Application

Used in balanced salt solutions, physiological saline or 0.25 M sucrose.

Features and Benefits

  • For separation of cells, subcellular particles and larger viruses (down to ~ 70S) under gentle conditions which preserve viability and morphological integrity.
  • Non-toxic to cells.
  • Adjustable to physiological ionic strength and pH.
  • Gradients can either be preformed or spontaneously generated by centrifugation at moderate speeds in an angle-head rotor.
  • Gradients are iso-osmotic throughout and cover a range of densities up to 1.3 g/mL.

Storage and Stability

Please be aware this product may be shipped 90 days before the expiration date. For more information on the batch specific expiration date, please contact technical service.
Store at 4 to 30 °C ()

Analysis Note

To view the Certificate of Analysis for this product, please visit www.cytiva.com.

Legal Information

Percoll is a registered trademark of Cytiva

Storage Class Code

12 - Non Combustible Liquids

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Search for Certificates of Analysis (COA) by entering the products Lot/Batch Number. Lot and Batch Numbers can be found on a product’s label following the words ‘Lot’ or ‘Batch’.

Already Own This Product?

Find documentation for the products that you have recently purchased in the Document Library.

Visit the Document Library

Protocols

How to Make and Use Percoll Gradients

To prepare a Percoll gradient, the osmolality of Percoll must be adjusted with saline or cell culture medium to make Percoll isotonic with physiological salt solutions.

Our team of scientists has experience in all areas of research including Life Science, Material Science, Chemical Synthesis, Chromatography, Analytical and many others.

Contact Technical Service