Minoxidil
Based on 11 publication(s) in Google Scholar
Minoxidil (U10858) is an orally active ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener and vasodilator. Minoxidil activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, increases ERK and Akt phosphorylation, upregulates Bcl-2 and downregulates Bax, thereby promoting dermal papilla cell proliferation and hair follicle elongation. Minoxidil downregulates IL-1α, inhibits T lymphocyte activity, reduces 5α-reductase expression, and attenuates the transcriptional activity of androgen receptor. Minoxidil is converted by hair follicle sulfotransferase to Minoxidil sulfate, shortening telogen and prolonging anagen. Minoxidil can be used in research related to hair loss.
For research use only. We do not sell to patients.
- Purity : 99.99%
- CAS No.: 38304-91-5
- Formula: C9H15N5O
- Molecular Weight:209.25
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Storage:Powder -20°C, 3 years , 4°C, 2 years ; In solvent -80°C, 2 years , -20°C, 1 year
Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) Minoxidil
More- Bioact Mater. 2025 Nov 14:57:344-357. [Abstract]
- Cell Stem Cell. 2024 Jan 4;31(1):52-70.e8. [Abstract]
- J Adv Res. 2025 Oct 16:S2090-1232(25)00818-5. [Abstract]
- Phytomedicine. 2025 May:140:156590. [Abstract]
- Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Jun 23;12(7):1332. [Abstract]
- Cell Rep. 2021 Jun 8;35(10):109225. [Abstract]
- J Med Chem. 2024 Jun 27;67(12):10336-10349. [Abstract]
- Drug Des Devel Ther. 2023 Aug 24:17:2537-2547. [Abstract]
- Dermatol Clin. 2024 September 12.
- Biomed Res Int. 2022 Nov 18:2022:3139123. [Abstract]
- Sys Rev Pharm. 2021;12(1):402-410.
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Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay
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In Vivo Efficacy Study
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WB
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Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay
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IHC
Biological Activity
Description
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IL-1α |
Bax |
Bcl-2 |
Akt |
Cellular Effect
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Cell Line
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Type | Value | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HL-60 | IC50 |
>10 μM
Compound: MNX
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Induction of cell differentiation in human HL60 cells by NBT/MTT assay
Induction of cell differentiation in human HL60 cells by NBT/MTT assay
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[PMID: 26832215] |
In Vitro
Minoxidil slightly increases 5α-reductase activity in dermal papilla cells from balding scalp, but has no such effect in cells from non-balding scalp[1].
Minoxidil identifies responder and non-responder samples in the isolated hair follicle sulfotransferase assay with an OD cutoff of 0.4, with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 73%[1].
Minoxidil (0.01-1.0 μM; 5 days) promotes the proliferation of human DPCs, with 1.0 μM producing the largest reported increase (108%)[2].
Minoxidil (0.1-1.0 μM; 1 h) activates ERK and Akt phosphorylation in human DPCs, with 1.0 μM producing the maximum increase[2].
Minoxidil (0.01-1.0 mM; 10 days) prolongs human scalp hair follicles in organ culture, with 1.0 mM producing the maximum reported elongation (1.6 mm; 51%) in concentration-response experiments[2].
Minoxidil increases the passage cell count of confluent neonatal foreskin keratinocytes, with activity reaching maximum at 6‑12 μg/mL; however, it cannot extend the passage number of log-phase neonatal foreskin keratinocytes on 3T3 feeder layers, and countable cells can only be maintained until passage 6[1].
Minoxidil does not increase the 7-day cell number of NORAH 1 human keratinocytes grown without a 3T3 feeder layer under SC1, SC3, or SC8 conditions, indicating a failure to maintain the germinative pool during logarithmic-phase growth[3].
Minoxidil increases the passage cell count of confluent human keratinocytes maintained for 4 weeks, but cholera toxin reduces this effect, consistent with a mechanism independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate elevation[3].
Minoxidil increases the cell number of cultured human keratinocytes across the 2-40 mM calcium range and protects against high-calcium growth inhibition, with a count of 8.30 × 10-5[3] at 2 mM.
Minoxidil (0.1-100 µM; 2-7 days) does not alter the proliferation of human ASCs[5].
Minoxidil (20-50 µM; 2-4 days) increases human ASC migration in scratch wound healing and Transwell assays[5].
Minoxidil (20-50 µM) upregulates CXCL1, PD-ECGF, and PDGF-C mRNA in human ASCs; it induces the expression of PD-ECGF and PDGF-C in human ASCs through ERK phosphorylation, whereas the upregulation of CXCL1 is independent of ERK[5].
Minoxidil (0.01-5 mM; 7 days) inhibits the proliferation of proliferating hRPE and hTCF cells, with half-maximal effective concentrations of 1.5 mM and 2.5 mM, respectively, whereas the number of cells in density-arrested cultures changes minimally, with hRPE viability decreasing only at 5 mM[7].
Minoxidil (5 mM; 15 minutes-7 days) produces a duration-of-exposure-dependent antiproliferative effect, with hRPE reaching half-maximal effect at 15 hours and hTCF at 80 hours[7].
Minoxidil persistently inhibits hRPE and hTCF proliferation at 3-5 mM during a 7-day reagent-free recovery period, whereas 1-2 mM allows partial regrowth[7].
Minoxidil (7 days) exposure of density-arrested hRPE reduces reattachment at 3-4 mM, 4 mM prevents subsequent proliferation, while 1-3 mM permits proliferation similar to the control[7].
Minoxidil (1-5 mM) induces dose-dependent morphological changes in hRPE and hTCF, which are more pronounced in proliferating cells and show obvious reversal after removal[7].
Minoxidil inhibits hRPE lysyl hydroxylase activity by up to 71% at 1 mM after 72 hours and does not affect prolyl hydroxylase, with the inhibition completely reversed within 48 hours after removal[7].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
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Cell Line:cultured human dermal papilla cells (DPCs)
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Concentration:0.01, 0.1, 1.0 μM
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Incubation Time:5 days
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Result:Increased DPC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner: 60% at 0.01 μM, 90% at 0.1 μM, and 108% at 1.0 μM versus control in six cultures.
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Cell Line:cultured human DPCs
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Concentration:0.1, 1.0 μM
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Incubation Time:1 h
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Result:Activated both ERK and Akt phosphorylation in human DPCs, with 1.0 μM producing the largest increases (351% for ERK and 257% for Akt over control).
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Cell Line:cultured human DPCs
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Concentration:0.1, 1.0 μM
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Incubation Time:24 h and 48 h
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Result:Increased Bcl-2 and decreased Bax in human DPCs, with 1.0 μM producing the largest Bcl-2 increase at 24 h (194%) and the largest reported Bax decrease at 48 h (80%).
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Cell Line:human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs)
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Concentration:0.1, 1, 10, 50, 100 µM (2 days live-cell assay)
20, 50, 100 µM (7 days Trypan Blue counting) -
Incubation Time:2 days; 7 days
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Result:Did not alter ASC proliferation under either condition, including at the highest dose tested.
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Cell Line:human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs)
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Concentration:20 and 50 µM
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Incubation Time:4 days (scratch assay); 2 days (Transwell assay)
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Result:Dose-dependently increased ASC migration into the scratched area over four days.
Increased the number of migratory cells in the Transwell assay compared with control.
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Cell Line:proliferating and density-arrested hRPE and hTCF
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Concentration:1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mM (7-day pretreatment)
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Incubation Time:7 days (pretreatment); 7 days (recovery)
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Result:Treated with 1-5 mM agents for 7 days, proliferating hRPE and hTCF exhibited concentration‑dependent post‑recovery proliferation impairment, while density‑arrested counterparts maintained stable cell numbers; both cell types retained high viability except that proliferating hRPE suffered a sharp viability drop at 5 mM.
In Vivo
Minoxidil (5%; topical administration; five times per week) accelerates hair regrowth in the LPS-induced telogen effluvium mouse model, with a regrowth rate of 98.9% on day 13 and complete regrowth on day 17[4].
Minoxidil (preconditioned adipose-derived stem cells; subcutaneous injection; single administration) promotes the transition of hair follicles from telogen to anagen, increases the number of mature hair follicles, and induces Ki67-positive cell proliferation in the dermal papilla in telogen C3H/HeN mice, exerting a stronger hair growth-promoting effect[5].
Minoxidil (2%; topical administration; for 14 consecutive days) alone produces lower hair weight in C3H/HeN shaved mice than when combined with CXCL1, PD-ECGF, or PDGF-C[5].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
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Animal Model:C57BL/6N[4]
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Dosage:5%
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Administration:topical; five times per week; after dorsal skin shaving 25 days after plucking
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Result:Treated with the test agent, LPS‑challenged telogen effluvium model mice achieved a 98.9% hair‑regrowth area on day 13 post‑treatment initiation, and attained 100% hair‑regrowth area on days 17, 20, 24 and 27.
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Animal Model:C3H/HeN (6.5 weeks old)[5]
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Dosage:2%
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Administration:topical; for 14 days
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Result:Conducted in a 14‑day dorsal skin hair‑growth experiment, the 2% minoxidil alone group yielded lower hair weight than groups receiving 2% minoxidil combined with CXCL1, PD‑ECGF, or PDGF‑C.
- Western Blot
- RNA extraction experimental
- BrdU Incorporation Assay
- Somatic Cell Culture
- CFSE Dye Dilution Proliferation Assay
- Dye-dilution cell tracking and proliferation staining
- CCK-8/WST-8 Cell Proliferation Assay
- Protocol for Cell Cycle
- Cell Counting-Based Growth Curve Assay
- Colony Formation (Clonogenic) Assay
- Cell Viability Determination by MTT Colorimetric Assay
- Kinase activity and phosphorylation assays
- EdU Incorporation Assay (Click Chemistry-Based DNA Synthesis Measurement)
- Dual Luciferin reporter gene assay
- Ki-67 Immunostaining Proliferation Assay
- PCNA Immunodetection Proliferation Assay
- Protocol for Cell Counting and Cell Density Analysis
- Research Protocol for Endocrine Diseases
- Protocol for Kinase activity and phosphorylation assays
- MTT Cell Proliferation Assay
Chemical Information
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CAS No. 38304-91-5
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Appearance Solid
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Molecular Weight 209.25
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Formula C9H15N5O
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Color White to off-white
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SMILES
NC1=NC(N2CCCCC2)=CC(N)=[N+]1[O-]
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Synonyms
U10858
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Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
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Storage
Powder -20°C 3 years 4°C 2 years In solvent -80°C 2 years -20°C 1 year
Publications (11)
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Journal Impact Factor
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Most Recent
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Bioact Mater
Sustainability of functional hair follicle activity: Impact of spatially anchored multifunctional tetrahedral framework nucleic acids. [Abstract]2025 Nov 14:57:344-357. PMID: 41323202
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Bioact Mater. 2025 Nov 14:57:344-357. [Abstract]
Cell proliferation assay in DPCs and HFSCs treated with DHT (500 μM) and DHT combined with Minoxidil (20 μM), tFNFs (0.25 μM), Que (20 μM), and TQC (tFNFs/Que: 0.25/20 μM) for 24 h.
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Bioact Mater. 2025 Nov 14:57:344-357. [Abstract]
Time-course observations of hair growth of samples at 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 28 days (n = 5). The results showed that Minoxidil (5%; topical application, 100 μL per application) treatment, serving as a positive control, led to gradual hair regrowth starting from day 10, with marked hair coverage observed by day 28.
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Cell Stem Cell
Kidney organoid models reveal cilium-autophagy metabolic axis as a therapeutic target for PKD both in vitro and in vivo. [Abstract]2024 Jan 4;31(1):52-70.e8. PMID: 38181751
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Stem Cell. 2024 Jan 4;31(1):52-70.e8. [Abstract]
Representative bright-field images of ARPKD (ARPKD Epi-17) kidney organoids treated with a concentration gradient of ST034307 and Minoxidil (0.1-5 μM) in the presence of FSK for 3 days. Scale bars, 200 μm.
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Stem Cell. 2024 Jan 4;31(1):52-70.e8. [Abstract]
Minoxidil (i.p.; once daily for 3 weeks) administered at 1 and 5 mg/kg/day reduced the calculated cystic index of ARPKD kidney organoid xenografts from host NSG mice by 18.85% and 33.93%, respectively.
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J Adv Res
Targeting PLOD2 induces epithelioid differentiation and improves therapeutic response in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. [Abstract]2025 Oct 16:S2090-1232(25)00818-5. PMID: 41109566
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 Oct 16:S2090-1232(25)00818-5. [Abstract]
Minoxidil (0.5 mM; 48 h) led to a significant increase in the expression of epithelial differentiation markers in 786-O sccRCC cells.
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 Oct 16:S2090-1232(25)00818-5. [Abstract]
Minoxidil (0.25-0.5 mM; 48 h) did not cause substantial 786-O ccRCC cell death.
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 Oct 16:S2090-1232(25)00818-5. [Abstract]
Minoxidil (6 mg/kg; gavage) significantly reduced the Ki-67 index in sccRCC xenograft mouse models.
Minoxidil purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 Oct 16:S2090-1232(25)00818-5. [Abstract]
Minoxidil (6 mg/kg; gavage) significantly reduced the tumor growth rate in sccRCC xenograft mouse models.
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Phytomedicine
Deoxyshikonin from Arnebiae Radix promotes hair growth by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. [Abstract]2025 May:140:156590. PMID: 40049105 -
Antioxidants (Basel)
Schizochytrium sp. Extracted Lipids Prevent Alopecia by Enhancing Antioxidation and Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Dermal Papilla Cells. [Abstract]2023 Jun 23;12(7):1332. PMID: 37507872 -
Cell Rep
miR-24 controls the regenerative competence of hair follicle progenitors by targeting Plk3. [Abstract]2021 Jun 8;35(10):109225. PMID: 34107258 -
J Med Chem
A Top-Down Design Approach for Generating a Peptide PROTAC Drug Targeting Androgen Receptor for Androgenetic Alopecia Therapy. [Abstract]2024 Jun 27;67(12):10336-10349. PMID: 38836467 -
Drug Des Devel Ther
2023 Aug 24:17:2537-2547. PMID: 37645625 -
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Biomed Res Int
2022 Nov 18:2022:3139123. PMID: 36440360 -
Solvent & Solubility
In Vitro:
Ethanol : 7.14 mg/mL (34.12 mM; Need ultrasonic)
DMSO : 5 mg/mL (23.89 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)
H2O : 1 mg/mL (4.78 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 50°C)
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 2 years; -20°C, 1 year. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 2 years. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 year.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 2 years; -20°C, 1 year. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 2 years. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 year.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)
In Vivo:
Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.
- For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
- To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
- The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% EtOH 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: ≥ 0.71 mg/mL (3.39 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 0.71 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL EtOH stock solution (7.1 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% EtOH 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 0.71 mg/mL (3.39 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 0.71 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL EtOH stock solution (7.1 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% EtOH 90% Corn Oil
Solubility: ≥ 0.71 mg/mL (3.39 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 0.71 mg/mL (saturation unknown). If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL EtOH stock solution (7.1 mg/mL) to 900 μL Corn oil, and mix evenly.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: ≥ 0.5 mg/mL (2.39 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 0.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (5.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 0.5 mg/mL (2.39 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 0.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (5.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly:
It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: PBS
Solubility: 1.96 mg/mL (9.37 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C
Add each solvent one by one: 50% PEG300 50% Saline
Solubility: 5 mg/mL (23.89 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic
In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:
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Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
Please enter your animal formula composition:
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%DMSO +
Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
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%+
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+%Tween-80 + +
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%Saline +
The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL
Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL DMSO. Stock solution concentration: mg/mL.
1. Take μL DMSO stock solution;
2. Add μL .
μL , mix evenly;
3. Then add μL Tween 80, mix evenly;
4. Then add μL
Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
Purity & Documentation
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Data Sheet (325 KB)
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SDS (396 KB)
- English - EN (396 KB)
- Français - FR (396 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (396 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (396 KB)
- Español - ES (396 KB)
- Swedish - SV (396 KB)
- Italian - IT (396 KB)
- Korean - KR (396 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (396 KB)
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Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
References
Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 2 years; -20°C, 1 year. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 2 years. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 year.
| Optional Solvent | Concentration Solvent Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 25 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2O / DMSO / Ethanol | 1 mM | 4.7790 mL | 23.8949 mL | 47.7897 mL | 119.4743 mL |
| DMSO / Ethanol | 5 mM | 0.9558 mL | 4.7790 mL | 9.5579 mL | 23.8949 mL |
| 10 mM | 0.4779 mL | 2.3895 mL | 4.7790 mL | 11.9474 mL | |
| 15 mM | 0.3186 mL | 1.5930 mL | 3.1860 mL | 7.9650 mL | |
| 20 mM | 0.2389 mL | 1.1947 mL | 2.3895 mL | 5.9737 mL | |
| Ethanol | 25 mM | 0.1912 mL | 0.9558 mL | 1.9116 mL | 4.7790 mL |
| 30 mM | 0.1593 mL | 0.7965 mL | 1.5930 mL | 3.9825 mL |
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Keywords
- Minoxidil
- 38304-91-5
- U10858
- U 10858
- U-10858
- Potassium Channel
- 5 alpha Reductase
- Interleukin Related
- PERK
- Akt
- Bcl-2 Family
- Wnt
- β-catenin
- KcsA
- 5α-reductase
- IL
- Protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase
- PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase
- PKB
- Protein kinase B
- Beta catenin
- ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener
- Akt phosphorylation
- ERK phosphorylation
- HIF-1α/VEGF-mediated follicular capillary fenestration
- Wnt/β-catenin signaling
- androgen receptor
- androgenetic alopecia
- dermal papilla cell proliferation
- vasodilator
- Inhibitor
- inhibitor
- inhibit