FITC–dextran conjugate (average MW = ~70K)

FITC-labeled dextran is used in cardiovascular, microcirculation, perfusion, cell monolayer and cell membrane permeability research as fluorescent flux tracer compound that supports the measurement of processes such as blood flow, membrane damage, vascular drainage and renal elimination. It is also used in microcirculation and cell permeability research utilizing microfluorimetry, and possible in perfusion studies in animals. FITC-dextran has also been used to study plant cell wall porosity and capillary permeability. Plasma proteins have been shown not to bind to FITC-dextran. FITC-dextran of ~70 kDa may be used as a model compound for development of methods to deliver molecules into protoplasts and to study drug release from structures such as hydrogels and liposomes. It may be used in microvascular and cell monolayer permeability studies.