Fluorescein diacetate | 596-09-8

Fluorescein diacetate (FDA), a versatile non-fluorescent compound, finds widespread use in a variety of biological and medical assays. Here are four key applications of fluorescein diacetate:

Cell Viability Assays: An indispensable tool for assessing cell viability in diverse cell cultures, FDA undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis within viable cells to produce fluorescein, a vividly fluorescent compound. The resulting fluorescence serves as a means to quantify the percentage of live cells in a sample, making FDA a valuable asset in the realms of cell biology and toxicology studies.

Microbial Activity Detection: Utilized to gauge the metabolic activity of microorganisms in environmental and clinical samples, FDA serves as a marker for active microbial cells. These cells can enzymatically convert FDA into fluorescein, signaling their viability and activity. This application holds significant merit in fields such as soil microbiology, wastewater treatment research, and the examination of infectious agents.

Flow Cytometry: Within the domain of flow cytometry, FDA acts as a fluorescent dye for staining live cells for subsequent analysis. As viable cells metabolize FDA into fluorescein, they become distinguishable and quantifiable based on their fluorescence properties. This capability enables researchers to conduct intricate cell population studies and evaluate the individual cell health within a heterogeneous cell population.

Plant Viability Studies: In the field of plant sciences, FDA plays a pivotal role in assessing the viability and vitality of plant tissues and cells. By staining plant cells with FDA and detecting the resultant fluorescein production, researchers gain insights into the health status of plant tissues. This knowledge proves essential for investigations into plant growth, stress responses, and tissue culture techniques, offering a multifaceted view of plant physiology.