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Submit ReviewPropidium iodide
Description: Red-fluorescent DNA stain, membrane impermeant to live cells. Used for: apoptosis detection, nuclear counterstaining, viability staining. Application: flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, fluorescence microscopy
Alternative Names: PI
Chemical Name: 3,8-Diamino-5-[3-(diethylmethylammonio)propyl]-6-phenylphenanthridinium diiodide
Purity: ≥95% (HPLC)
Biological Activity for Propidium iodide
Key information: Propidium iodide (PI) is a widely used red-fluorescent DNA stain. It is membrane impermeant to live cells and so PI staining differentiates live and dead cells. PI can be used to stain nucleic acids in dead cells across different cell types, including mammalian cells, bacteria, and yeast.
Application: flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, fluorescence microscopy.
Used for: apoptosis detection by PI staining, nuclear counterstaining in multicolor fluorescent assays, cell death measuring in a mixed live-cell population by PI staining and flow cytometry.
Properties and Photophysical Data: Propidium iodide fluorescence increases by approximately 20- to 30-fold upon binding to DNA or RNA (through intercalation). When unbound, excitation and emission maxima (λ) are 493 nm and 636 nm, respectively, when bound to DNA, excitation and emission maxima (λ) are 535 nm and 617 nm, respectively.
Optical Data for Propidium iodide
| Emission Color | Orange |
|---|---|
| λabs | 535 nm |
| λem | 617 nm |
| Application | Flow Cytometry, Fluorescence Microscopy, Confocal Microscopy |
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Technical Data for Propidium iodide
| M. Wt | 668.39 |
| Formula | C27H34I2N4 |
| Storage | Store at -20°C |
| Purity | ≥95% (HPLC) |
| CAS Number | 25535-16-4 |
| PubChem ID | 104981 |
| InChI Key | XJMOSONTPMZWPB-UHFFFAOYSA-M |
| Smiles | NC4=CC1=C(C=C4)C3=C(C=C(N)C=C3)[N+](CCC[N+](CC)(CC)C)=C1C2=CC=CC=C2.[I-].[I-] |
The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.
Solubility Data for Propidium iodide
| Solvent | Max Conc. mg/mL | Max Conc. mM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | |||
| water | 3.34 | 5 with sonication |
Preparing Stock Solutions for Propidium iodide
The following data is based on the product molecular weight 668.39. Batch specific molecular weights may vary from batch to batch due to the degree of hydration, which will affect the solvent volumes required to prepare stock solutions.
| Concentration / Solvent Volume / Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.05 mM | 29.92 mL | 149.61 mL | 299.23 mL |
| 0.25 mM | 5.98 mL | 29.92 mL | 59.85 mL |
| 0.5 mM | 2.99 mL | 14.96 mL | 29.92 mL |
| 2.5 mM | 0.6 mL | 2.99 mL | 5.98 mL |
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Product Datasheets for Propidium iodide
References for Propidium iodide
References are publications that support the biological activity of the product.
Jeong et al (2013) SIRT4 protein suppresses tumor formation in genetic models of Myc-induced B cell lymphoma. J.Biol.Chem. 289 4135 PMID: 24368766
Sonnemann et al (2014) p53-dependent and p53-independent anticancer effects of different histone deacetylase inhibitors. Br.J.Cancer 110 656 PMID: 24281001
Yun et al (2013) Serine hydrolase inhibitors block necrotic cell death by preventing calcium overload of the mitochondria and permeability transition pore formation. J.Biol.Chem. 289 1491 PMID: 24297180
If you know of a relevant reference for Propidium iodide, please let us know.
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Keywords: Propidium iodide, Propidium iodide supplier, red, fluorescent, DNA, stain, dye, cell, death, PI, Fluorescent, Stains, Cell, Viability, and, Dyes, Flow, Cytometry, 5135, Tocris Bioscience
Citations for Propidium iodide
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Reviews for Propidium iodide
Average Rating: 4.8 (Based on 4 Reviews.)
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MCF7 Spheroids cell death.
By
Caterina Suelzu on 11/26/2024
Assay Type: In Vitro
Species: Human
Cell Line/Tissue: MCF7
MCF7 cells spheroids were stained with 3 uM Propidium Iodide for 1.5h
Staining of HCT116 spheroids.
By
Gabriele Strusi on 11/26/2024
Assay Type: In Vitro
Species: Human
Cell Line/Tissue: HCT116
Staining of HCT 116 spheroids using a 3 uM concentration
Good Product.
By
Rohit Sharma on 08/17/2020
Assay Type: In Vitro
Species: Human
Cell Line/Tissue: Jurkat Cells
PI was used in the cell cycle analysis of Jurkat cells. The cell pellet of the treated cells was resuspended in 200 μL propidium iodide (PI) solution containing 50 μg/mL PI, 0.1 mg/mL RNase A, and 0.05% Triton X-100 (v/v) (prepared in 1X PBS buffer). The cells were incubated for 30 min. in the dark at room temperature and by agitating every 10 mins. After incubation, the samples were analyzed using the flow cytometer.
Propidium dye for intracellular fluorescent dye..
By
Anonymous on 03/13/2018
Assay Type: Ex Vivo
Species: Mouse
Propidium Iodide was used as an intracellular fluorescent dye. Picture is of the glass electrode with a 5mM solution. 250uM was also tried but had poor visibility.
5mM is great for visualization with an mcherry filter. It goes into water well.
Literature in this Area
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Fluorescent Dyes and Probes Research Product Guide
This product guide provides a background to the use of Fluorescent Dyes and Probes, as well as a comprehensive list of our:
- Fluorescent Dyes, including dyes for flow cytometry
- Fluorescent Probes and Stains, including our new MitoBrilliantTM mitochondria stains
- Tissue Clearing Kits and Reagents
- Aptamer-based RNA Imaging Reagents
- Fluorescent Probes for Imaging Bacteria
- TSA VividTM Fluorophore Kits
- TSA Reagents for Enhancing IHC, ICC & FISH Signals