Chemicals & Small Molecules

DiR is a near-infrared fluorescent carbocyanine dye specifically designed for cell membrane labeling in both in vivo and in vitro applications. When applied, DiR diffuses laterally, effectively staining the entire cell. Its unique properties make it suitable as both an anterograde and retrograde tracer for neurons. Additionally, DiR can be combined with other tracers for multi-color studies and is useful for near-infrared imaging.

Laurdan is a membrane-permeable fluorescent probe that detects the physical state of surrounding phospholipids based on its localization and sensitivity to water molecules. Its generalized polarization values can identify the phospholipid phase, unaffected by polar head groups or pH.

RAPID DiI is a lipophilic dye that labels cell membranes by inserting its two long hydrocarbon (C18 carbon) chains into the lipid bilayer. It diffuses laterally to stain the entire cell and serves as an anterograde and retrograde tracer of neurons, with faster migration kinetics than DiI.

RAPID DiO is a cyanine dye with green fluorescence—an unsaturated analog of DiO. It labels cell membranes by inserting its two long hydrocarbon (C18 carbon) chains into the lipid bilayer. Initially weakly fluorescent, it becomes more so upon incorporation into membranes. RAPID DiO diffuses laterally, staining the entire cell, and serves as an anterograde and retrograde tracer of neurons. Notably, it exhibits about 50% faster migration kinetics than DiO.

BODIPY 505/515 is a bright, photostable far-red fluorophore used for staining lipid membranes. Its nonpolar structure and long-wavelength absorption and fluorescence make it suitable for neutral lipids and as a tracer for oil and other nonpolar lipids.

(E,E)-3,5-Bis(phenylethenyl)-BDP is a symmetric boron difluoride dipyrromethene derivative with lipophilic properties. It lacks additional functional groups and is expected to accumulate in lipid droplets (LDs). Notably, an aromatic, alkenyl, or alkynyl substitution at the 3,5-positions of the core results in a red-shifted fluorescence emission wavelength compared to classical BDP dye markers.

Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) is a green-fluorescent cationic xanthene dye used to monitor membrane polarization in mitochondria and bacteria during live cell assays. It responds to the negative potential of the membrane, and its fluorescence intensity decreases with potential loss. Similar to TMRE, Rhodamine 123 is valuable for studying mitochondrial function changes and cell viability in response to various stimuli or pharmaceuticals.

TMRE is a lipophilic, positively charged dye used for live cell mitochondrial labeling based on transmembrane potential. It also serves as a quantitative tool to assess mitochondrial function and cell viability in response to stimuli or pharmaceuticals

SynaptoProbe Green is a green fluorescent dye commonly used to study synaptic activity at synapses and neuromuscular junctions by staining synaptic vesicles. This water-soluble, non-toxic dye is initially nonfluorescent in aqueous medium but becomes highly fluorescent when embedded in the outer leaflet of cell membranes. During neurotransmitter release, it internalizes within recycled synaptic vesicles, staining nerve terminals.