I'm trying to label my cells in suspension and track them over time by labeling with CFDA SE, but after labeling them they will no longer adhere to a surface (whereas unlabeled cells adhere well). I've tried to label at 10 and 20 µM. What is causing this?
This dye will bind to proteins via primary amines. Too high of a concentration can lead to cell toxicity or unintended modification of cell function. The solution is to reduce the concentration and/or staining time, or to go with a non-protein-binding tracking reagent, such as Qtracker cell labeling reagents.
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I want to do a cell migration study for around 4 hours and need to fluorescently label the cells with a dye. What do you recommend?
Calcein, AM and FDA (fluorescein diaceate) are examples of some dyes used for this application. Since these dyes are not incorporated or covalently attached to any cellular components, they may have a short retention time as some cell types may actively efflux the dye out of the cells. The CellTracker and CellTrace dyes include either a mild thiol-reactive chloromethyl group or amine-reactive succinnimidyl ester group to allow for covalent binding to cellular components, providing for better retention. As with any reagent, one should empirically determine retention times for the cell type used.
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I labeled my cells with Calcein, AM, but when I imaged the next day, there was no fluorescence from Calcein. Why?
Calcein, AM is a good choice for cell tracking and as a general cytoplasmic stain. However, it doesn't bind to anything and may be actively pumped out of the cells within a couple hours, which is likely what happened. The retention of Calcein within live cells is dependent upon the inherent properties of the cell type and culture conditions.
For long-term imaging, you may wish to consider a reactive cytoplasmic stains such as CFDA, SE or the CellTracker and CellTrace dyes.
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What is the shelf life of CellTrace CFSE Cell Proliferation Kit (Cat. No. C34554, C34570)?
CellTrace CFSE Cell Proliferation Kit is covered under our general 1-year warranty and is guaranteed to be fully functional for 12 months from the date of shipment, if stored as recommended (in freezer (-5 to -30 degrees C) and protected from light). Please see section 8.1 of our Terms & Conditions of Sale (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/Terms-and-Conditions-of-Sale.pdf).
For staining with CellTrace CFSE Cell Proliferation Kit, for flow cytometry (Cat. No. C34554 or C34570), up to how many cells can I have in 1 mL volume?
The cell concentration can be up to 1 x 10E7 cells/mL.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.