Invitrogen™ Monomeric Cyanine Nucleic Acid Stains

The Invitrogen™ Monomeric Cyanine Nucleic Acid Stains provide high-sensitivity fluorescent dyes for detecting double-stranded nucleic acids in a wide range of applications, including flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and viability assays. These carbocyanine-based monomeric dyes exhibit strong binding affinity for dsDNA, producing bright fluorescence while maintaining low background levels.

✔ Ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of nucleic acids

✔ High-affinity binding with micromolar-range dissociation constants

✔ 20- to 1800-fold fluorescence enhancement upon DNA binding

✔ Spectrally distinct dyes covering the entire visible spectrum

✔ Compatible with fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and nucleic acid electrophoresis

✔ For Research Use Only. Not for diagnostic procedures.

Key Features & Benefits

✔ High Sensitivity for Nucleic Acid Detection

• Carbocyanine monomeric dyes strongly bind to dsDNA.
• Negligible fluorescence background when unbound, leading to highly sensitive detection.

✔ Bright Fluorescence for Enhanced Signal Detection

• High extinction coefficients and fluorescence quantum yields ensure brighter signals for more precise nucleic acid analysis.

✔ Wide Applicability for DNA and RNA Studies

• Staining of nucleic acids on solid supports
• Gel and capillary electrophoresis prestaining
• Nuclear staining in fluorescence microscopy
• Flow cytometry-based viability assays

✔ Compatible with Dead Cell & Apoptosis Assays

• Most monomeric cyanine dyes are cell-impermeant, making them useful as dead cell indicators.
• YO-PRO™-1 is permeant to apoptotic cells, providing a convenient apoptosis marker.

✔ Spectrally Distinct Dyes for Multiplex Labeling

• Five dyes available, covering the entire visible fluorescence spectrum for multiplex applications.

Applications & Use Cases

1. Nuclear Staining for Fluorescence Microscopy

• Purpose: Visualize DNA content and nuclear structure in fixed cells and tissues.
• Use Case: Researchers use TO-PRO™-3 as a nuclear counterstain in fluorescence imaging of cell cultures and paraffin sections.

2. DNA and RNA Detection in Electrophoresis

• Purpose: Enhance nucleic acid visualization in agarose and polyacrylamide gels.
• Use Case: Scientists use YO-PRO™-1 or TO-PRO™-1 for precise quantification of DNA bands in electrophoresis experiments.

3. Flow Cytometry for Cell Viability & Apoptosis Studies

• Purpose: Differentiate live, apoptotic, and dead cells based on membrane permeability.
• Use Case: YO-PRO™-1 selectively stains apoptotic cells, allowing easy identification of early-stage apoptosis.

4. Nucleic Acid Labeling on Solid Supports

• Purpose: Detect and quantify nucleic acids in microarrays, hybridization assays, and blotting techniques.
• Use Case: TO-PRO™-3 is frequently used in fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) applications.

5. Single-Cell Nucleic Acid Analysis

• Purpose: Measure nucleic acid content in individual cells using flow cytometry.
• Use Case: TO-PRO™-1 and YO-PRO™-1 help in cell cycle analysis and DNA quantification in cancer research.

Available Dyes & Spectral Properties

Kit Specifications & Technical Details

Ordering Information

Regulatory & Compliance Information

• For Research Use Only (RUO) – Not intended for diagnostic procedures.
• Validated for fluorescence-based nucleic acid detection.
• Manufactured under strict quality control for high reproducibility.

The Invitrogen™ Monomeric Cyanine Nucleic Acid Stains offer high-affinity, ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of nucleic acids in flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and electrophoresis applications. These dyes provide low background, strong DNA binding, and bright fluorescence, making them ideal for nuclear staining, cell viability assessment, apoptosis detection, and nucleic acid quantification.

Their spectrally distinct emission properties allow for multiplexing in multi-label fluorescence assays, making them essential tools for cell biology, cancer research, and molecular diagnostics.