Propidium (Iodide) [25535-16-4]

Propidium Iodide (PI) is a nuclear staining agent that stains DNA. Propidium Iodide is an analogue of ethidine bromide that emits red fluorescence upon embedding in double-stranded DNA. Propidium Iodide cannot pass through living cell membranes, but it can pass through damaged cell membranes to stain the nucleus. Propidium Iodide has a fluorescence wavelength of 493/617 nm and a wavelength of 536/635 nm after Mosaic with DNA. Propidium Iodide is commonly used in the detection of apoptosis (apoptosis) or necrosis (necrosis), and is often used in flow cytometry analysis.

General Protocol

1.Preparation of PI working solution
1.1 Preparation of the stock solution
Dissolve 1 mg PI in 1 mL DDH₂O to obtain 1 mg/mL of stock solution.
Note: It is recommended to store the stock solution at -20°C or -80°C away from light and avoid repetitive freeze-thaw cycles.
1.2 Preparation of PI working solution
Dilute the stock solution in serum-free cell culture medium or PBS to obtain 20-50 μg/mL of working solution.
Note: Please adjust the concentration of PI working solution according to the actual situation.
2.Cell staining
2.1 Suspension cells (6-well plate)
a.Centrifuge at 1000 g at 4°C for 3-5 minutes and then discard the supernatant. Wash twice with PBS, 5 minutes each time.The cell density is 1×106/mL.
b.Add 1 mL of working solution, and then incubate at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
c.Centrifuge at 400 g at 4°C for 3-4 minutes and then discard the supernatant.
d.Wash twice with PBS, 5 minutes each time.
e.Resuspend cells with serum-free cell culture medium or PBS. Observation by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry.
2.2 Adherent cells
a. Culture adherent cells on sterile coverslips.
b. Remove the coverslip from the medium and aspirate excess medium.
c. Add 100 μL of working solution, gently shake it to completely cover the cells,and then incubate at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
d. Wash twice with medium, 5 minutes each time. Observation by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry.

Storage
-20°C, 1 year
Protect from light

Precautions
1. Please adjust the concentration of PI working solution according to the actual situation.
2. This product is for R&D use only, not for drug, household, or other uses.
3. For your safety and health, please wear a lab coat and disposable gloves to operate.

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

* Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 2 years; -20°C, 1 year (sealed storage, away from moisture and light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 2 years. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 year.

* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

• [1]. Hezel M, et al. Propidium iodide staining: a new application in fluorescence microscopy for analysis of cytoarchitecture in adult and developing rodent brain. Micron. 2012 Oct;43(10):1031-8.  [Content Brief]

  [2]. Nicoletti I, et al. A rapid and simple method for measuring thymocyte apoptosis by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. J Immunol Methods. 1991 Jun 3;139(2):271-9.  [Content Brief]

  [3]. A rapid and simple method for measuring thymocyte apoptosis by propidium iodidestaining and flow cytometry. J Immunol Methods. 1991 Jun 3;139(2):271-9.  [Content Brief]