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Specifications:
| Application | PCR, Cell Analysis | ||
| Storage Temperature | 2-8°C, -5 to -30°C | ||
| Product Type | Dye | Forms | Liquid, Solid |
| Product Brand | Biotium | ||
| Product Grade | Molecular Biology | Formula | C₂₇H₃₂N₆²⁺ |
PMA is a cell membrane-impermeant, photo-reactive DNA-binding dye developed by Biotium for distinguishing live from dead microorganisms in molecular assays. It is widely used in viability PCR (v-PCR) to enable the selective detection of viable cells in complex samples such as clinical isolates, food, water, and environmental matrices. PMA selectively penetrates only dead cells with compromised membranes, binds their DNA, and upon light activation, permanently modifies it to prevent PCR amplification.
Key Features
- Selective for dead cells with compromised membranes
- Blocks PCR amplification of DNA from non-viable cells
- Extensively validated across microbial species and sample types
- Compatible with qPCR, LAMP, NGS, and Sanger sequencing
- Supplied as both lyophilized solid and 20 mM aqueous solution
Product Specifications
| Product Name | Catalog Number | Unit Size | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMA Dye | 40013 | 1 mg | Lyophilized solid |
| PMA Dye, 20 mM in H₂O | 40019 | 100 µL (20 mM) | Aqueous solution |
Spectral Properties
Absorbance (λAbs): 464 nm (before photolysis)
Emission (λAbs/λEm): ~510/~610 nm (with DNA/RNA, after photolysis)
Mechanism of Action
- Selective Entry – PMA only enters dead cells with compromised membranes.
- DNA Binding – Binds strongly to double-stranded DNA.
- Photoactivation – Exposure to visible light triggers covalent attachment to DNA.
- PCR Inhibition – The modified DNA cannot be amplified by PCR, enabling selective analysis of viable cells.
Applications
- Microbial viability testing in clinical, food, and environmental samples
- Quantification of viable organisms in biofilms
- Water and food safety testing
- Viability differentiation in NGS and Sanger workflows
- Use in isothermal amplification such as LAMP
- Studies involving bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses
Related Product – PMAxx™ (Catalog No. 40069)
PMAxx is a next-generation analog of PMA that offers improved cell selectivity and reduced background. It is especially effective in challenging matrices and applications where sensitivity is critical.
PMA is a powerful tool in molecular biology for detecting viable organisms while excluding dead cell DNA. Its photo-reactivity, membrane-impermeability, and compatibility with major nucleic acid amplification methods make it ideal for high-confidence viability assays.
- Pack Size: 1mg 20mM in H2O, 100 µl