Flow Cytometry Reagents

Flow Cytometry can be used to collect a multitude of information from cell populations, such as size, morphology, complexity, phenotype and function. Likewise, a diverse variety of reagents are available for your specific flow cytometry application. For instance, membrane impermeant DNA-intercalating dyes such as 7-AAD and propidium iodide (PI) are excluded from live cells, making them common tools in assessing cell health and cell viability. DAPI, another common dye, stains the nuclei of both live and fixed cells. In the analysis of specific cellular markers, fluorescent molecules are commonly used. Fluorescein/FITC, APC, cyanine, PE, and TRITC are some of the most well known, although new brands continually become available. These fluorophores can be found conjugated to secondary antibodies or other molecules such as Protein A, Protein G, or streptavidin. Protein A and G bind to immunoglobulins while streptavidin binds to biotin-conjugated antibodies. Taking advantage of multiple dyes allows for the multiplexing and simultaneous measurements of multiple analytes. Other flow cytometry reagents include standards for fluorophores, cell types, and for instrument calibration.