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Histopaque-1077 first landed in research labs over forty years ago, right around the time cell separation was moving from an art to a reproducible science. Scientists around the world struggled with unreliable methods for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Traditional sucrose gradients, labor-intensive and imprecise, wore out many a lab hand. Inventors of Histopaque-1077 spotted a chance to harness density gradient centrifugation, using polysucrose and sodium diatrizoate, making large-scale, reproducible cell isolation possible. Researchers could finally work with clean fractions of lymphocytes or monocytes, opening new doors in immunology and hematology. The product’s reputation grew with the explosion of basic and clinical research relying on easier cell separation—be it for diagnostic tests or for harvesting cells for further culture and modification.
Histopaque-1077, marketed by brands such as Sigma-Aldrich, Greiner Bio-One, and others under names like Lymphoprep, offers a ready-to-use density gradient solution for isolating viable mononuclear cells from blood, bone marrow, or other sources. It contains a blend of polysucrose—a synthetic polymer of sucrose with an impressive molecular weight—and sodium diatrizoate, a radio-opaque contrast medium. The blend achieves a density of 1.077 g/mL, matching the sweet spot between red blood cells and lymphocytes. Histopaque jars, usually clear and labeled for quick identification, line the fridges of immunology and hematology labs everywhere. My own work in stem cell labs relied on this product to keep cell samples pure and usable for downstream experiments.
Histopaque-1077 pours out as a clear to slightly yellowish solution, thickened by the high concentration of polysucrose. It boasts a density of exactly 1.077 g/mL at 20°C, hitting the critical value for separation work. The refractive index hovers around 1.347, and its osmolarity falls near physiological standards at roughly 280–300 mOsm/kg H₂O. This ensures suspended cells avoid stress during isolation procedures. The phosphate buffer maintains a physiological pH between 7.0 and 7.4. Due to the presence of sodium diatrizoate, the solution’s conductivity and ion strength support stable separation without fuss.
Manufacturers stamp each bottle with precise density, osmolarity, pH, and composition details. The 100 mL and 500 mL plastic bottles arrive capped tight, each with lot numbers and expiration dates. Labels also warn of sodium diatrizoate’s risks, listing emergency procedures, chemical composition, and handling instructions in multiple languages. Each unit undergoes batch testing for sterility and physical constants. Product inserts outline exact steps for use and highlight critical specifications for consistent separation results. Any deviation in these specs risks the quality of downstream applications—from flow cytometry to stem cell expansion.
To prep for use, researchers layer whole blood or diluted bone marrow directly onto the Histopaque-1077 medium in centrifuge tubes. The two layers must not mix for effective cell separation. Without swirling or shaking, and often with a skilled pipette hand, blood is gently dripped into place. The tubes go into a centrifuge set to about 400 g, spinning for 30 minutes at room temperature. Red blood cells pellet at the bottom, granulocytes settle just above them, and a pale, milky layer of mononuclear cells collects at the interface. After the spin, the buffy coat gets pipetted off and washed for use in culture, counting, or downstream analysis. Consistency in pipetting and spinning speeds distinguishes reliable results from wasted sample.
Histopaque-1077 does not take part in chemical reactions during normal use, but chemists have tweaked and analyzed its components over time. Some protocols adjust the proportions of sodium diatrizoate, nudging solution density for rare cell types or animal blood samples. Polysucrose variants or alternative density mediums, such as Ficoll, compete in the same space, but the formulation of Histopaque-1077 enjoys well-documented, predictable separation of human blood samples. In some labs, the medium gets mixed with low-molecular-weight dextran for custom research protocols, but such modifications typically lack the reproducibility and batch testing offered by off-the-shelf bottles.
Under the commercial umbrella, Histopaque-1077 goes by names like Lymphoprep, Ficoll-Paque, and Mono-Poly Resolving Medium. Each name often relates to minor tweaks in product formulation or branding differences, while core chemical ingredients remain the same. Some labs talk about “the 1.077,” a nickname for the medium reflecting its targeted density.
The sodium diatrizoate in Histopaque-1077 brings hazards common to iodine-containing compounds. Users need to avoid inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, as the compound can cause allergic or toxic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to iodine or with renal disorders. All work must run in a certified lab with up-to-date chemical hygiene plans. Researchers put on gloves, lab coats, and eye shields during every separation. Disposal protocols require spent solutions to enter chemical waste—not general trash or drains—because sodium diatrizoate breaks down poorly in the environment. Emergency response plans and safety data sheets sit in plain view in every laboratory where Histopaque-1077 gets used. Training on chemical hygiene and accidental exposure management stays mandatory for everyone involved.
Histopaque-1077 anchors blood research, transplant immunology, infectious disease diagnostics, and cell therapy. It sits at the base of stem cell isolation protocols for everything from basic T-cell activation experiments to producing therapeutic cell populations in cancer immunotherapy trials. Blood banks use it to quality-control leukocyte-depleted transfusions. My own experience included processing patient samples to count CD4+ T cells for HIV diagnostics—an essential application for tracking disease progression. Beyond human medicine, the reagent features in animal research and veterinary diagnostics, providing a backbone for experiments involving heterogeneous cell populations.
Continuous innovation surrounds Histopaque-1077’s application. Automated cell-separation machines use cartridges preloaded with the medium. Recent work ties density gradient separation with microfluidic devices, tightening control over wash steps and cell yields. Engineers and chemists collaborate to reduce manual error and increase sample throughput, driven by high-throughput screening in genomics, proteomics, and precision medicine. The platform inspires work on integrating separation media into disposable cassettes aimed at point-of-care diagnostics. Every year, hundreds of peer-reviewed articles cite Histopaque-based separations for reliable, repeatable cell preparations.
Researchers have scrutinized the cytotoxicity of both polysucrose and sodium diatrizoate components. Extensive studies show mononuclear cells separated on Histopaque-1077 remain viable and functional, supporting downstream experiments like proliferation assays and cytokine tests. Toxicity issues mostly relate to exposure during handling, not to residuals on purified cells. Long-term environmental studies flag sodium diatrizoate for slow biodegradation. Laboratories mitigate risks by enforcing chemical handling protocols and restricting discharge into the water system. Safety data routinely get updated, with manufacturers providing clear signals on safe concentrations and required disposal steps.
Histopaque-1077 sits on the cusp of significant innovation. As cell and gene therapies explode in both research and clinical settings, demand rises for higher-purity, automation-compatible separation media. Scientists and chemical engineers look at biodegradable or greener alternatives to sodium diatrizoate, aiming for compounds with less environmental spillover. Lab automation trends drive calls for pre-packed, single-use gradient cartridges compatible with robotic handlers. Researchers seek denser or lighter media to fine-tune separations for new cell types, including circulating tumor cells and rare stem cell subsets. Open collaboration between reagent manufacturers and the global research community keeps the door open for new versions of classic products, pushing toward safer, greener, and more efficient cell separation.
Anyone who’s ever spent time in a biomedical lab knows about long days hunched over tubes and pipettes. There’s always that moment staring at a blood sample, preparing to start the dance that ends with two clear layers — and that’s where Histopaque-1077 steps in. For years, this stuff has been a go-to for separating blood components. I remember my own days running hematology experiments, and how nothing beat the feeling of pulling off a perfect buffy coat layer. With Histopaque-1077, even students tackling their first big project can score solid results.
For anyone new to the game, Histopaque-1077 acts as a density gradient medium. Basically, it’s a liquid designed so that, after adding diluted blood and running it through a centrifuge, layers form. Red blood cells drop to the bottom, white blood cells rest neatly above the Histopaque, and plasma floats up top. That distinct boundary is gold for researchers tracking immune response, running genetic studies, or banking cells for future tests.
I’ve watched experienced scientists breeze through peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation because Histopaque-1077 takes the guesswork out. The magic number in its name — 1.077 g/mL — matches the density required for white blood cells to hang right at the interface. That targeting means fewer mixed-up samples, less contamination, and results you can actually trust for follow-up tests.
The effort to cleanly separate PBMCs isn’t just for show. Researchers rely on these cells to run tests on immune function, drug development, and transfusion medicine. Isolated PBMCs act as windows into a person’s immune health and reveal shifts that flag infections or problems like cancer. High-quality samples mean better data and, down the road, more targeted treatments.
Take the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams around the globe raced to study immune responses in people exposed to the virus. Reliable PBMC isolation meant they could hunt for clues in how some folks shook off infection while others ended up in intensive care. In my own circle, labs that used Histopaque-1077 churned out robust datasets, fueling fast progress on diagnostics and therapies.
Nothing’s perfect, least of all in science. Some users run into issues like mixed layers or loss of rare cell types. Technique makes or breaks the process. Improper layering, speed errors with the centrifuge, or pipetting too close to the interface can mean wasted time and bogus results. In my experience, good technique outpaces high-end equipment, so training students and new techs should always be a priority.
Automation and advanced cell sorters promise to streamline separation, but not every lab can afford those gadgets. Histopaque-1077 stays within reach for hospitals, universities, and even underfunded research groups. It brings lab-grade precision to everyday projects, allowing teams to conduct world-class research with simple tools and careful hands.
Handling blood always demands respect. A slipup can expose you to pathogens or leave experiments ruined. Lab safety training keeps spills and accidents from escalating, and following protocols protects both researchers and their results. I always recommend new scientists run a few practice rounds—getting hands-on, learning to read those subtle cues when layers start to separate. Not all solutions come from a bottle; some grow from habit and attention to detail.
Step inside any regular life science lab, and you’ll find plenty of tubes with clear gradients stacked in the fridge. Histopaque-1077 is one of those household names. This dense liquid helps separate blood cells in a snap, and for anyone who’s ever tried coaxing clean white cells out of a sample, it almost feels magical. Behind the scenes, there’s a tried-and-true process that just works, and the payoff matters everywhere from cancer research to routine diagnostics.
If you’ve ever had to sort marbles from sand, the idea makes sense. Layering Histopaque-1077, then carefully adding diluted blood on top, means only the right cells collect at a certain level after spinning the tube. Red cells drop to the bottom, plasma floats on top, and lymphocytes—your target—land smack in the middle, right at the edge of the Histopaque.
Anything you can do to cut out background “noise” in cell samples makes downstream analysis cleaner and data more reliable. Poor separation wastes money, ruins experiments, and leads to confusion later. Researchers count on Histopaque-1077 because it gets the job done with consistency. Studies show this method achieves over 95% purity for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which makes a world of difference for immunologists looking to understand diseases or screen drugs.
Using Histopaque sounds straightforward, but mistakes cost time. Pouring the sample too quickly blends layers, so gentle hands pay off. Blood sitting too long in the fridge increases cell clumping, leading to poor yields and debris. Using consistent volumes and spinning at the right speed—without hitting the brakes too hard—matters. A personal habit I picked up: I always pre-warm my reagents, since cold media can stress cells and tank viability. Data from major journals back this tip for better recoveries. Good lab habits let the science shine, not the mistakes.
Getting fresh, viable cells with Histopaque means more than following a recipe. Every time, I witness the difference between carelessness and attention. Clean separations boost morale and make collaborating across teams smoother. Projects move forward because folks trust the samples in front of them. I remember one allergy trial that depended on top-notch separation. Using freshly processed blood, we caught immune details a lesser method would have missed—patients gained insights fast, and our team felt proud of the real-world impact.
Single-use plastics pile up fast. Switching to reusable glassware where possible and sharing reagents among teams has helped our lab cut costs and reduce trash. Vendors sometimes offer discounts for larger bottles, making it easier for smaller labs to keep up. These simple decisions change the economics on tight grants and support green science goals.
A few challenges stay stubborn. Cells can still activate during separation, leading to changes before analysis even starts. Some folks run extra washes to limit contamination, and cold chain management proves key if you ship samples. Companies work to tweak formulations for higher purity and faster separation. Those small steps add up, and input from real lab workers shapes new products.
At its core, reliable cell separation supports honest research. Every improvement, from steadier gradients to faster handling, means more accurate data for doctors, biotechs, and patients. Drawing on this everyday tool with skill and intention, we honor its place at the foundation of experimental medicine.
Histopaque-1077 has become a go-to solution in labs across the globe, especially for separating blood components. Its density—measured at 1.077 g/mL at room temperature—sets a precise “cut-off” for different cells in human blood. Red blood cells and granulocytes sink below during centrifugation, while mononuclear cells float above the Histopaque layer. I remember my first time using it in an academic lab. My mentor stressed the importance of memorizing this value and double-checking temperature, as density shifts slightly with even a few degrees of change.
Mistakes happen when someone pulls the wrong bottle off the shelf or doesn’t check expiration dates. I’ve seen more than one new researcher lose an experiment’s worth of fresh PBMCs because the density of the medium was off. The magic number—1.077 g/mL—serves almost like a password in immunology protocols. It didn’t matter which global supplier we used; labs demanded that this density held steady, or separation failed, and data quality dropped off a cliff.
Blood separation powers vital work in areas like cancer diagnostics, immunotherapy, and outbreak response. Imprecise density deliver issues no matter how much you paid for your sample. Mononuclear cells mix with platelets or erythrocytes, blurring analysis and burning through precious grants. In one clinical research study I supported, we handled over a hundred patient samples every week. Off-density separation ran the risk of wasting hours of prep, stalling a trial, or losing hard-won funding.
Good science means accuracy. Part of accuracy is getting numbers like “1.077 g/mL” right and keeping solutions at the correct room temperature. From what I’ve seen, labs don’t just trust the labels on the bottle. They often use calibrated hydrometers or densitometers, especially in places with unpredictable climate control. It’s no exaggeration to say this number—slightly higher than plasma but not as high as most cell types—acts as a switch separating what lives above and what falls below.
Peer-reviewed studies point to consistency as the single greatest strength of products like Histopaque-1077. Sigma-Aldrich and other suppliers publish clear specs because any variation would mean returned products and unhappy scientists. There’s comfort in knowing that a simple physical property like density ensures everyone around the world gets the same experimental results.
Some labs, especially with tight budgets, risk using “homemade” gradients—mixes of Ficoll or Percoll and sodium diatrizoate. These can get close to the right density but never match the ease and reliability. It’s tempting to cut corners, but mistakes just cost more. Researchers need trustworthy basics. Years ago, I tried a do-it-yourself density gradient during a supply chain shortage, and the variability in recovery kept me up at night. Now, I see the value in standards more than ever.
Looking at solutions, suppliers and research managers should keep education front and center. Clear labeling, temperature guidance, and sharing experience between labs keep experiments moving. Regular calibration of density-measuring tools matters. Quality checkpoints for each batch offer another layer of trust. The difference between success and failure often rests on respecting details like density specifications. Reliable science starts with people understanding and double-checking details, and in this field, Histopaque-1077’s density stands as one of the most dependable numbers out there.
Many scientists and lab techs run into a wall because they treat reagents like afterthoughts. A bottle stays on a bench for hours, left under the lab lights. After some time, questions pop up: Why aren’t the peripheral blood mononuclear cells separating as clean as before? Suddenly, it’s not just a small mistake—it’s lost time, lost money, and questionable results.
Histopaque-1077 sits among the most widely used density gradient media in immunology. Laboratories around the world reach for it whenever there’s a need to isolate mononuclear cells from blood. This reagent contains polysucrose and sodium diatrizoate. Both are sensitive to light and temperature swings. So storage isn’t just a box to check off—it’s the groundwork for dependable results.
At room temperature, chemical stability tends to shift. Degradation starts quietly, and the media loses its punch. Histopaque-1077 must stay cold, right at 2–8°C. That puts it in the refrigerator, not the freezer. Freezing encourages crystal formation and precipitation, and that spells trouble for the density gradient. After a single freeze-thaw cycle, some bottles never recover, no matter how much shaking or mixing happens. Labs have tossed thousands of dollars’ worth of reagents due to this exact mistake.
Light can cause changes in the chemicals inside the bottle. Yellowing and cloudiness may appear over time, but the bigger risk is something you won’t see: loss of performance. For anyone running sensitive clinical research, that means risking incorrect white cell counts or altered cell viability. A simple fix is to keep the bottle in its original packaging or an opaque container inside the fridge. This isn’t just about keeping up with best practices—patients and experiments both depend on consistency.
Busy labs often work with tight schedules and rotating teams. Marking each bottle with the opening date turns out to be a lifesaver. Manufacturers suggest using Histopaque-1077 within a specific window after first use, usually within three months if stored right. Any sign of contamination or a change in clarity means the bottle belongs in the chemical waste bin, not an experiment.
Every opening of a reagent introduces a small risk. Gloves, clean pipettes, and a good habit of working quickly all matter. Sometimes, temptation kicks in to skip sterile technique, especially on hectic days. In my own lab days, one careless transfer led to cloudy layers and useless cell fractions. Skipping this small step cost us an entire afternoon.
Safe storage for Histopaque-1077 isn’t glamorous, but it holds experiments together. Each bottle represents countless hours of planning and resources. Following a straightforward plan protects both people and data. A refrigerated, dark, and clean environment returns the best results—every time.
Histopaque-1077 lines the shelves in research labs. This clear liquid plays a big role in separating blood cells, helping scientists pull apart the components of blood to investigate everything from immune function to cancer. It looks harmless: a bottle of clear solution. The questions start as soon as someone pulls on their gloves for the first time. Is it safe? Or are those chemical whiffs a warning that this isn’t just another salt solution?
The main players in Histopaque-1077 are polysucrose and sodium diatrizoate. Polysucrose works a lot like sugary syrup—a density modifier, keeping cell layers separated. The other component, sodium diatrizoate, comes from the world of x-ray contrast dyes. It doesn’t scream “hazard” the way some solvents do. Still, it’s always smart not to judge a chemical by its label.
I’ve eyed plenty of chemical safety data sheets (SDSs), and the one for Histopaque-1077 doesn’t gloss over potential hazards. The SDS warns about irritation to the eyes and skin. Swallowing it isn’t a good idea. To get an idea of real-world danger, you have to weigh exposure. Most lab workers don’t gulp or inhale large volumes; a splash to the hand is far more likely. Still, those with sensitive skin might experience redness or itchiness. The solution isn’t flammable. It can release iodine with heat or acid, though, so it’s never an option to mix things carelessly or raise the temperature in the fume hood without a plan.
No one’s filled journals with horror stories about Histopaque-1077. The lack of dramatic incidents does not mean total safety. Sodium diatrizoate has a background in medicine as a contrast agent, and many people have received it safely in hospitals. Allergic reactions can happen, especially for folks with iodine sensitivity. The amounts in the lab, though, are far below medical doses. It’s meant for research, not injection. In animal studies, the toxicity sits at a moderate level—enough to steer clear of spills, avoid skin and eye contact, and work with good ventilation.
I’ve handled Histopaque-1077 dozens of times for white blood cell separation. Wearing gloves wasn’t just about following rules. The stuff is sticky, and washing it off is never fun. Accidental splashes on the wrist always led to itchy patches unless I washed off quickly. One forgotten lab coat sleeve once meant a red spot that lasted a few days. Colleagues have shared similar stories: no hospital visits, just mild discomfort. I’ve never seen anyone faint or break out in hives. Still, any irritation at all means there’s risk, even if it sits in the “minor” range for most.
The good news: working with Histopaque-1077 doesn’t require anything fancy. Regular lab gloves, eye protection, and a coat have kept me and everyone I know out of trouble. Cleaning spills quickly with lots of water does the job. Keeping the bottle capped and work area ventilated means you don’t deal with fumes. Reading and following the SDS gives peace of mind. New trainees pick up good habits fast when they see the practical side—nobody likes red, itchy skin. Waste goes into the chemical bin, not down the drain, since environmental risks haven’t been studied much.
Histopaque-1077 has earned its place in the lab for its usefulness. Working with it safely lets researchers get important work done without injury. Treating it with respect, not fear, keeps the science moving and the people safe. That’s true for any chemical, but it’s easy to forget with solutions that look as plain as water. Safety in the lab isn’t about paranoia—it’s about avoiding small mistakes that can disrupt work, slow down results, or at worst, put someone’s health at risk.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | sodium 2-[(2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl)amino]acetate |
| Other names |
Histo-Paque 1077 Histopaque 1077 Lymphoprep Ficoll-Paque Ficoll-Hypaque Ficoll 1077 |
| Pronunciation | /ˌhɪstəˈpeɪk wʌn ˈsɪv.ən ˈsɪv.ən/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 107688-18-6 |
| Beilstein Reference | 260873 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:18360 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1357 |
| ChemSpider | 21547 |
| DrugBank | DB09210 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e7703b-e1a9-44e9-b9ee-d3b5f7b2c38f |
| EC Number | 613-098-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin Reference: 37013 |
| KEGG | C00746 |
| MeSH | Polysucrose |
| PubChem CID | 24831914 |
| RTECS number | MI2100000 |
| UNII | N822FYQ79G |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C18H22NaO11S |
| Molar mass | 1077 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless to pale yellow solution |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.077 g/mL |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 0.215 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 10.10 (pKb) |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -9.0 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/g |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.334–1.338 |
| Viscosity | 1.003–1.013 cP |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | B05AA02 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08, GHS05 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P261, P264, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P403+P233, P501 |
| Flash point | > 79 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: Non-explosive |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ Oral (Rat): > 5,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat: >5,000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SY8585000 |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.9 g/ml |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Histopaque-1083 Histopaque-1119 |
