Acridine Orange compd. with zinc chloride | 10127-02-3

Acridine Orange compounded with zinc chloride is a versatile chemical with multiple applications in scientific research and medical diagnostics. Here are some key applications of this compound:

Fluorescent Staining in Microscopy: Acridine Orange is widely used as a fluorescent stain in microscopy to identify nucleic acids in cell samples. It can differentiate between DNA and RNA by emitting green and red fluorescence, respectively, when bound to these molecules. This ability is particularly useful in examining cellular structures, studying cell cycle phases, and diagnosing infections caused by bacteria and viruses.

Cancer Research: In cancer research, Acridine Orange is employed to detect and quantify apoptotic cells. Its staining properties allow researchers to distinguish between live, apoptotic, and necrotic cells by analyzing the fluorescence patterns. This application helps in evaluating the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies and understanding the mechanisms of cancer cell death.

Bacterial and Viral Infections: Acridine Orange is used in microbiology and virology to rapidly detect and quantify bacterial and viral infections in clinical samples. By staining the nucleic acids of pathogens, it enables quick identification under a fluorescence microscope. This application is crucial for the timely diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

Flow Cytometry: Acridine Orange is used in flow cytometry to assess cell cycle distributions and to distinguish between different cell populations based on their nucleic acid content. When coupled with zinc chloride, it enhances the staining efficiency, providing clearer results. This is important for various clinical and research applications, including leukemia diagnostics and cell proliferation studies.