CyTRAK Orange Dyes

CyTRAK Orange is an anthraquinone dye with high affinity for double-stranded DNA. It is a dye that penetrates the cell membrane and can label live cells or post-fixed/dead cells. In flow cytometry, it can be used to distinguish between nucleated and non-nucleated cells. In fluorescence microscopy, it can be used to identify and distinguish between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, without the need for other dyes, because it stains the nucleus with high intensity and the intensity of cytoplasm is low. CyTRAK Orange has an optimal excitation wavelength of 488 to 550 nm and an emission wavelength of 610 nm. It can be excited using a blue laser (488 nm). For filter configurations, CyTRAK Orange is best tested with a 610/20 filter or similar. Make sure your instrument can detect the dye.

Characteristics

CyTRAK Orange is a novel orange fluorescent dye [related to DRAQ5™ (ab108410)] that stains both nucleus and cytoplasm. It is water soluble and membrane permeant which can be used in live and fixed cells in combination with other common fluorophores, such as GFP-fusions, green-labelled antibodies (FITC or DyLight® 488) and far-red dyes. CyTRAK Orange preferentially stains the nucleus, but also defines the cytoplasmic area in both live and fixed preparations. CyTRAK Orange does the work of two fluorophores! Key features of CyTRAK Orange include:

1. Rapid staining of dsDNA/nuclei of LIVE or fixed cells.
2. Differential intensity of DNA binding and Cytoplasmic labelling - One fluorophore doing the work of two.
3. Low photobleaching effect.
4. Ideal for use with GFP, FITC & DyLight® 488 and 649 labels
5. No lyse/no wash protocols
6. It is membrane-permeant

Excitation

457, 488 & 549 (Exmax 515nm)

similar profile to Propidium Iodide

co-excited with FITC/Cy2/eGFP and PE-Cy7

NOT excited by UV or red lasers (e.g. 633 & 647 nm)

Emission (instrument dependent):

Emmax 615 nm

No significant spectral overlap with co-excited green fluors (eGFP, FITC, Cy2)

Visualize GFP-tagged temporospatial changes in live cells in a single acquisition from a 488 nm excitation

References:

1. Stevenson, P.; et al. Comparison of isometamidium chloride and homidium bromide as prophylactic drugs for trypanosomiasis in cattle at Nguruman, Kenya. Acta Tropica. 1995, 59 (2): 257–258.
2. Charleton, Kimberly D. M.; et al. "Coordination Complexes as Catalysts: The Oxidation of Anthracene by Hydrogen Peroxide in the Presence of VO(acac)2. Journal of Chemical Education. 2011. 88 (8): 1155–1157.