Nile Red | 7385-67-3

Nile Red is a hydrophobic fluorescent dye commonly used in biochemical and cellular studies. Here are some key applications of Nile Red:

Lipid Droplet Staining: Nile Red is extensively used for staining lipid droplets in cells, allowing researchers to visualize and quantify lipid accumulation. This is particularly valuable in the study of metabolic disorders, such as obesity and fatty liver disease. By illuminating lipid-rich regions with fluorescence, scientists can evaluate how cellular lipid dynamics respond to various treatments and genetic modifications.

Environmental Monitoring: Nile Red can be used as a fluorescent probe to detect hydrophobic contaminants in environmental samples, such as water and soil. This method is effective in monitoring pollution caused by hydrocarbons, oils, and other hydrophobic pollutants. The sensitivity and specificity of Nile Red make it an excellent tool for assessing environmental health and contamination levels.

Nanoparticle Research: In nanotechnology, Nile Red is employed to characterize the properties and behavior of lipid-based nanoparticles. By incorporating Nile Red into lipid nanoparticles, researchers can visualize and track these particles in biological systems using fluorescence microscopy. This helps in understanding nanoparticle distribution, cellular uptake, and potential applications in drug delivery.

Biological Membrane Studies: Nile Red is useful for investigating the structure and dynamics of biological membranes by partitioning into the lipid bilayer. Its fluorescence properties change in different microenvironments, providing insights into membrane fluidity, phase behavior, and lipid organization. This information is crucial for exploring membrane-associated processes and the effects of various biochemical interactions on membrane integrity.