Description
Calcein-AM is a widely used fluorescent probe for labeling live cells, emitting green fluorescence with excitation and emission maxima at 490 nm and 515 nm, respectively. By incorporating an acetoxymethyl ester (AM) group, Calcein-AM becomes more hydrophobic and readily permeates intact cell membranes. Once inside viable cells, nonfluorescent Calcein-AM is cleaved by intracellular esterases to generate calcein, a polar and membrane-impermeable molecule that is retained within the cytoplasm and produces strong green fluorescence. Compared with similar probes such as BCECF-AM and CFDA, Calcein-AM exhibits minimal cytotoxicity and does not interfere with cellular functions including proliferation and lymphocyte chemotaxis, making it particularly suitable for live-cell staining. Because dead cells lack esterase activity, Calcein-AM selectively labels viable cells and is commonly used for cell viability assays and short-term cell tracking. Propidium iodide (PI), a nuclear dye that cannot penetrate intact membranes, selectively stains dead cells by binding DNA and emitting red fluorescence (Ex = 535 nm, Em = 617 nm). Since both calcein and PI can be excited at 490 nm, live and dead cells can be simultaneously visualized.
| Cat.No |
ABC-BR0027
|
| Product Category |
Cell Culture Media, Kits & Reagents |
| Size/Quantity |
1× 50 μg, 2× 50 μg, 20× 50 μg, 1 mg
|
| Storage |
-20℃, protect from light, in dry enviornment.
|
