Cheap and Efficient DNA/Cell Death Staining With Propidium Iodide From Millipore Sigma

November 13, 2023

Robert Bosch Gesellschaft für medizinische Forschung mbH
IKP/RBCT
Graduate Student

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Quality of Results

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Merck

Product Name:

Propidium iodide

Catalog Number:

81845

Propidium iodide from Merck is a decent dye with a high yield of signal for staining of DNA (cell cycle analysis) or cell death assessment. We successfully apply it in flow cytometry, live-cell imaging, and microscopy.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Cell death detection (apoptosis), cell cycle analysis

Starting Material

Conventional human (cancer) cell lines

Tips

We prepare a stock in DMSO of 1 mg/ml, can be aliquoted and kept at 4°C or -20°C

Results Summary

Propidiumiodide is excited around 545 nm (red laser line) and emmits red fluorescence with max. 617 nm. The signal intensity is usually quite high at low working concentrations < 1 µg/µl

DOI or PMID #

N/A

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Summary

The Good

Can be used for live-cell imaging (apoptotic cells), bright stain, and easy to apply.

The Bad

Optimisation by simultaneous use with other stains needed,and broad emission spectrum.

The Bottom Line

Propidium Iodide from Merck is a high-yield, easy-to-use dye for staining cells for flow cytometry or cell death assays. Because of the comparably easy protocol and cheap price it is an attractive option. However, the broad emission spectrum should be considered for the respective application.

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