Sigma-Aldrich Chelex® 100 sodium form, 50-100 mesh (dry)

Sigma-Aldrich Chelex® 100 is a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer chelating resin in sodium (Na⁺) form, designed for metal ion removal, DNA extraction, and biochemical purification applications. This weakly acidic ion-exchange resin contains paired iminodiacetate functional groups, which selectively bind to divalent and trivalent metal ions such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺.

Chelex® 100 is widely used in biotechnology, environmental analysis, and industrial metal purification. It is particularly valuable in DNA extraction from forensic samples (e.g., bloodstains, buccal swabs, hair) and bacterial cultures due to its ability to remove metal contaminants that degrade nucleic acids.

Key Features & Benefits

1. High-Affinity Chelating Resin for Metal Ion Removal
   • Selectively binds heavy metals and transition metals, including Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺.
   • Used in water purification, biochemical separations, and environmental metal detoxification.
2. Optimized for DNA Extraction & Purification
   • Removes metal ions that inhibit polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA amplification.
   • Applied in forensic DNA extraction from biological samples.
3. Cross-Linked Polystyrene Matrix for High Durability
   • 1% cross-linking ensures high mechanical stability and low swelling.
   • Maintains long-term efficiency in harsh chemical environments.
4. Wide pH Compatibility for Versatile Applications
   • Functions across a broad pH range (4-14), making it suitable for various analytical and preparative processes.
   • Stable under moderate thermal conditions (maximum operating temperature: 75°C).
5. Autoclavable in Sodium Form for Sterile Applications
   • Ideal for biological and clinical research requiring sterile conditions.
   • Ensures contaminant-free DNA extraction in molecular biology workflows.

Product Specifications

Use Cases & Applications

1. DNA Extraction & Forensic Analysis

• Forensic DNA Purification:
  • Used for DNA extraction from bloodstains, buccal swabs, hair, and forensic evidence.
  • Removes PCR inhibitors by eliminating metal ion contaminants.
• DNA Isolation from Bacterial Cultures & Biological Samples:
  • Applied in microbiology and clinical research for efficient DNA purification.
  • Ensures high-quality DNA yield with minimal metal interference.

2. Metal Ion Removal & Environmental Analysis

• Heavy Metal Removal from Aqueous Solutions:
  • Chelates divalent and trivalent metal ions (Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, etc.) from industrial wastewater.
  • Used in water purification and trace metal analysis in environmental studies.
• Sample Preparation for Spectroscopy & Chromatography:
  • Applied in atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis.
  • Prevents metal interference in mass spectrometry and chromatography assays.

3. Biochemical & Protein Purification

• Affinity Chromatography for Metal-Sensitive Proteins:
  • Protects enzymes and proteins from metal-induced degradation.
  • Used in protein purification and biochemical separations.
• Chelating Resin for Ion-Exchange Chromatography:
  • Enhances selective binding and purification of biomolecules.
  • Compatible with low-pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC) systems.

4. Industrial & Research Applications

• Metal Extraction from Complex Matrices:
  • Applied in metal recycling, hydrometallurgy, and rare earth element purification.
  • Used in industrial effluent treatment and nuclear waste processing.
• Cigarette Smoke Extract Analysis & Toxicology Studies:
  • Utilized to remove metals from cigarette smoke extracts in toxicological research.
  • Helps in studying lung inflammation and respiratory effects.

Regeneration & Maintenance

• Regenerate using a 0.1 M NaOH or EDTA solution to restore metal-binding capacity.
• Flush with deionized water before use to remove contaminants and prepare the resin for biological applications.
• Store in a moist condition to maintain ion-exchange efficiency.

Storage & Handling Instructions

• Storage Conditions:
  • Store in a sealed container at room temperature (15-25°C).
  • Keep in a dry environment away from direct sunlight.
• Handling Precautions:
  • Use protective gloves, eyewear, and lab coats when handling.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area when using large resin volumes.
• Disposal Guidelines:
  • Follow local regulations for industrial waste disposal.
  • Used resin can be safely regenerated or disposed of as non-hazardous waste.

Why Choose Sigma-Aldrich Chelex® 100?

✅ High-affinity chelating resin for metal ion removal and purification

✅ Optimized for DNA extraction from forensic and microbiological samples

✅ Superior selectivity for heavy metal ions such as Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Pb²⁺

✅ Cross-linked polystyrene matrix for long-term stability

✅ Autoclavable in sodium form for sterile applications

Chelex® 100 is a versatile and high-performance chelating resin designed for biotechnology, forensic science, environmental analysis, and industrial applications, making it an essential tool for researchers and manufacturers.