What is brilliant violet 421?

Brilliant Violet 421

Brilliant Violet 421 (BV421) is a fluorescent dye used extensively in the field of flow cytometry and other fluorescence-based applications. This dye is part of the Brilliant Violet family, which are known for their bright fluorescence and ability to be excited by the violet laser at 405 nm, making them highly valuable in multi-color labeling experiments.

Chemical Properties

BV421 has a peak excitation at approximately 405 nm and emits at around 421 nm, providing a distinct spectral profile that minimizes overlap with other fluorophores. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for complex panel designs in flow cytometry.

Applications

• Flow Cytometry: BV421 is predominantly used in flow cytometry for the detection of various cellular markers. Its high brightness and photostability make it ideal for detecting low-abundance proteins.
• Immunofluorescence: Besides flow cytometry, BV421 is also used in immunofluorescence assays, contributing to the multiplexing capabilities of these assays.
• Cell Sorting: The distinct emission spectrum of BV421 allows for precise cell sorting in applications requiring high-resolution separation.

Advantages

• High Brightness: BV421's high quantum yield results in exceptional brightness, enhancing the detection sensitivity of assays.
• Photostability: It exhibits excellent photostability, reducing the impact of photobleaching and allowing for longer observation times.
• Minimal Spectral Overlap: The unique emission spectrum of BV421 minimizes spectral overlap with other fluorophores, facilitating multi-color analysis.

Considerations

While BV421 offers numerous advantages, it is important to carefully design experiments to account for its specific excitation and emission properties. Compatibility with other fluorophores and the laser sources available are critical factors to consider in multi-color experiments.

In summary, Brilliant Violet 421 is a versatile and powerful tool in the arsenal of fluorescence-based research, offering high brightness, photostability, and distinct spectral properties that enable detailed cellular analysis and sorting in a variety of applications.