Live/Dead Assays

Key solutions for a quick determination of cell viability

An essential step in early stage, translational research is measuring cytotoxicity. ION’s product portfolio is designed to help you easily capture important parameters of cell health, whether your preferred instrument is a plate reader, fluorescence microscope, or flow cytometer, using a collection of criteria that are indicative metrics of cell viability or death. These criteria include intracellular esterase activity as a marker of cell viability, plasma membrane integrity as a marker of cell death. When used in combination, these assays can provide an informative snapshot of cell health.

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Intracellular esterase activity

Intracellular enzyme activity and dye retention is a hallmark of viable cells. During cell death, increased plasma membrane permeability causes enzyme leakage and a reduction in activity. Dyes that measure esterase activity are modified with ester-moieties, which help them passively diffuse through cell membranes and render the dyes non-fluorescent. Once inside the cell, ubiquitous esterases present in the cytosol cleave ester-moieties, activating dye fluorescence and trapping the dye within the cell. ION sells Calcein AM in multiple formats (dry or in a prepared solution) and in combination with Ethidium Homodimer I as part of ION Vital – Viability so you can simultaneously detect dead cells.

Plasma membrane integrity

A loss of plasma membrane integrity is an indicator of cell death. Nucleic acid-binding, cell impermeant dyes, like Ethidium Homodimer I (EthD-I), can be used to label the nuclei of cells with compromised plasma membranes. These dyes are excluded from intact, healthy cells and exhibit minimal fluorescence in the absence of nucleic acids. Once the dye crosses the cell membrane and binds to nucleic acids (DNA) inside the cell, it displays a significant increase in fluorescence. ION sells EthD-I in multiple formats (dry or in a prepared solution) and in combination with Calcein AM as part of ION Vital – Viability so you can simultaneously detect viable cells.

Cell viability assay

Simultaneously quantify live and dead cells using a combination of Calcein AM and Ethidium Homodimer I when you purchase our cell viability assay. This kit works on nearly any fluorescent capable instrument including flow cytometers, microscopes and plate readers.

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Image Products Excitation Emission Kd Price Quantity Action
ION VITAL - Viability Kit
Two-color, fluorescence-based assay to discriminate between live and dead cells.
$242.00
BCECF AM packaging with pH indicator sticker, orange background
BCECF AM
Ratiometric, green fluorescent pH indicator, membrane permeable.
$108.00
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Ethidium homodimer product packaging, purple background
Ethidium Homodimer I
Red fluorescent, dead cell stain.
$165.00$198.00
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Calcein AM product packaging with cell health sticker, purple background
Calcein AM
Calcein AM is a membrane-permeant, non-fluorescent indicator that is converted to green fluorescent calcein by esterase activity in viable cells.
$109.00$165.00
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