Description
BD Pharmingen™ Calcein AM is used for labeling live cells that can be detected and further analyzed by flow cytometry or fluorescence imaging. The enhanced hydrophobicity of the acetomethoxy (AM) derivative of Calcein allows this dye to readily enter viable cells. Once inside, intracellular esterases cleave the AM groups off of the non-fluorescent BD Pharmingen™ Calcein AM, trapping fluorescent Calcein within the cell. Since dead cells lack esterase activity, only viable cells are labeled. Calcein AM is optimally excited at the 495 nm wavelength of light and emits maximally at 515 nm.