Calcein AM Cell Viability Assay

Calcein AM is a non-fluorescent, hydrophobic compound that easily permeates intact, live cells. The hydrolysis of Calcein AM by intracellular esterases produces calcein, a hydrophilic, strongly fluorescent compound that is well-retained in the cell cytoplasm. Cells grown, preferably in black-walled plates, can be stained and quantified in less than two hours. Calcein AM is useful in a variety of studies, including: cell adhesion, chemotaxis, multidrug resistance, cell viability, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity.

Adaptable to a wide variety of techniques, including: microplate assays, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and in vivo cell tracking.

Calcein AM (structure A) is a non-fluorescent, hydrophilic compound that easily permeates intact, live cells. The hydrolysis of Calcein AM by intracellular esterases produces calcein (structure B), a hydrophilic, strongly fluorescent compound that is well-retained in the cell cytoplasm. Cells grown in black-walled plates can be stained and quantified in less than two hours.