What is calcein indicator?

Calcein Indicator

Calcein is a fluorescent dye used extensively as an indicator in various scientific and medical applications. Its ability to bind to calcium ions makes it particularly useful in studying cell functions, viability, and adhesion processes.

Chemical Properties

Calcein is known chemically as bis[N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]fluorescein and has the molecular formula C30H26N2O13. It is a non-toxic, water-soluble compound that exhibits strong fluorescence when bound to calcium ions, making it an excellent tool for visualizing and quantifying calcium in biological systems.

Applications

  • Cell Viability Assays: Calcein-AM (acetoxymethyl) is a cell-permeant dye that is widely used in assessing cell viability. It is hydrolyzed by intracellular esterases in live cells, producing a green fluorescence that indicates live cells.
  • Calcium Imaging: Due to its ability to bind calcium ions, calcein is used in calcium imaging techniques to study cellular processes that involve calcium signaling.
  • Bone Research: In bone research, calcein is used to label mineralizing bone surfaces. Its binding to calcium allows for the visualization of bone growth and development.
  • Drug Delivery and Release Studies: Calcein encapsulation in liposomes or other carriers is used to study the efficiency of drug delivery systems and the release of therapeutic agents.

Advantages

  • High Sensitivity: Calcein's strong fluorescence upon binding to calcium ions allows for the sensitive detection of calcium and cell viability.
  • Non-toxic: Being non-toxic, it is suitable for live-cell applications without affecting cell health.
  • Versatile: Its application spans across various fields of research, including cell biology, pharmacology, and materials science.

In summary, calcein serves as a versatile and sensitive indicator for studying a wide range of biological and chemical processes. Its ability to bind to calcium ions and produce a strong fluorescent signal makes it an invaluable tool in scientific research.

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