MCE Acridine Orange hydrochloride, 99.65%

Acridine Orange hydrochloride is a cell-penetrable, nucleic acid-selective fluorescent dye widely used in molecular biology and cell imaging. It exhibits metachromatic fluorescence, producing different emission colors depending on whether it binds to single-stranded nucleic acids (RNA/ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA.

When excited at 488 nm, Acridine Orange emits:

• Green fluorescence (~530 nm) when bound to double-stranded DNA
• Orange to red fluorescence (~640 nm) when bound to RNA or single-stranded DNA

This dual emission property makes it highly valuable for distinguishing between DNA and RNA in live or fixed cells.

Key Characteristics

Acridine Orange hydrochloride is a small-molecule fluorescent dye with strong membrane permeability, allowing it to efficiently stain intracellular nucleic acids without requiring detergent permeabilization. It is also frequently used as a probe for lysosomes and acidic vesicles, since it accumulates in acidic compartments and changes fluorescence properties based on pH.

The product is provided at 99.65% purity and is suitable for advanced research applications in cell biology, microbiology, and fluorescence microscopy.

Biological and Research Applications

Acridine Orange hydrochloride is extensively used in:

• DNA and RNA staining in live or fixed cells

• Fluorescence microscopy and confocal imaging

• Autophagy and lysosomal activity studies

• Apoptosis and cell death assays

• Detection of acidic vesicles and lysosomes

• Parasitology research and microbial staining

• Nuclear morphology and cell cycle studies

It is also commonly applied in flow cytometry, cell viability assessment, and photodynamic research models.

Chemical and Physical Properties

• Molecular Formula: C₁₇H₂₀ClN₃
• Molecular Weight: 301.81
• Appearance: Solid
• Color: Brown to red
• Solubility: Soluble in DMSO and aqueous buffers
• Form: Powder or solution (varies by size)

Storage and Stability

For optimal stability:

• Store at 4°C, protected from light
• Keep sealed and stored under nitrogen
• In solution:
  • −80°C: stable for up to 2 years
  • −20°C: stable for up to 1 year
• Always protect from prolonged light exposure as the dye is light sensitive

In Vitro and In Vivo Notes

In vitro studies show Acridine Orange exhibits phototoxicity at higher concentrations under intense irradiation. In vivo data indicate no observable toxicity at tested doses in animal models when administered intravenously at low concentrations.

All applications are strictly for research use only and not intended for clinical or diagnostic use.

Acridine Orange hydrochloride is a high-purity, versatile fluorescent dye widely used for nucleic acid detection, live-cell imaging, autophagy studies, and cellular morphology analysis. Its ability to differentiate DNA and RNA through dual-color fluorescence makes it an essential reagent in advanced cell biology, microscopy, and molecular research workflows.