What does APC mean in flow cytometry?

APC in Flow Cytometry

APC, or Allophycocyanin, is a fluorescent protein commonly used in flow cytometry. It is a part of the phycobiliprotein family, which are water-soluble proteins found in cyanobacteria and certain algae. APC is known for its intense absorbance and fluorescence emission properties, making it an excellent choice for use in flow cytometry assays.

Key Properties of APC

• Excitation Wavelength: Approximately 650 nm
• Emission Wavelength: Approximately 660 nm
• Fluorescence: Bright red fluorescence
• Stokes Shift: Relatively small, allowing for efficient energy transfer

Applications in Flow Cytometry

APC's high quantum yield and spectral characteristics make it particularly useful for multi-color flow cytometry assays. It is often conjugated to antibodies or other proteins to specifically bind and identify cells or cellular components of interest. The bright red fluorescence of APC is easily distinguishable, enabling the analysis of complex cell populations and the identification of rare cell types.

Advantages of Using APC

• High Fluorescence Intensity: Allows for the detection of low-abundance targets.
• Stable: Resistant to photobleaching, ensuring consistent signal over time.
• Compatibility: Can be used in combination with other fluorophores for multi-parametric analysis.

In summary, APC is a valuable tool in flow cytometry, offering high sensitivity and specificity for the analysis of cellular components. Its unique optical properties and compatibility with other fluorophores make it an indispensable fluorochrome for complex biological assays.