A highly stable sucrose polymer with an average molecular weight of 400 000, suitable for isolating eukaryotic cells and organelles with minimal damage.

• For producing density gradients for separation of cells and subcellular components by centrifugation or by sedimentation at unit gravity.
• Concentrations of up to 50% (w/v) covering densities of up to 1.2 g/mL can be achieved.
• Better osmotic properties than sucrose.
• Preserves functional and morphological integrity.
• Useful for separating cells that are sensitive to centrifugation and for separating cells of similar density but different size (under conditions of sedimentation at unit gravity).
• Does not penetrate biological membranes.
• Serves as the raw material for preparation of Ficoll-Paque gradients.
• Used in other applications such as electrophoresis, hybridization, cryopreservation, and as a hapten carrier.