One-Step AO/PI Cell Viability Assay Kit

AO/PI Cell Viability Assay Kit is formulated by optimally blending acridine orange (AO) staining solution and propidium iodide (PI) staining solution. This kit enables rapid, convenient detection of cell viability through dual-staining of cell nuclei with DNA probes. AO is a classic, highly sensitive, and specific fluorescent dye capable of labeling both DNA and RNA. This dye permeates living cell membranes to stain nuclear DNA and RNA. Under fluorescence microscopy, acridine orange permeates intact cell membranes, imparting a uniform green or yellow-green fluorescence to nuclei. In apoptotic cells, however, chromatin condensation or fragmentation into irregular fragments forms apoptotic bodies. Azafluor causes dense, intensely stained yellow-green fluorescence or granular yellow-green fragments; necrotic cells exhibit weakened or absent yellow fluorescence. PI is a DNA-binding dye with excitation and emission wavelengths of 488 nm and 630 nm, respectively, producing red fluorescence. However, it lacks membrane permeability and cannot penetrate living cell membranes, staining only dead cells. Therefore, under fluorescence microscopy, normal cells remain unstained, early apoptotic cells exhibit faint red fluorescence, late apoptotic cells show enhanced red fluorescence, and necrotic cells display strong red fluorescence. This kit provides a ready-to-use AO/PI cell viability assay reagent. Simply mix an appropriate amount with the cell sample for use. It eliminates the cumbersome process of preparing and diluting various solutions, thereby avoiding potential errors during preparation and dilution and enhancing assay accuracy.