DiI, lipophilic tracer

Neuroscience Cell membrane Microscopy Flow cytometry
Cat. # Quantity Price Lead time
3225-1mg 1 mg –   in stock
3225-5mg 5 mg $24 in stock
3225-25mg 25 mg $110 in stock
3225-100mg 100 mg $238 in stock
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DiI (DiIC18(3); 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine) is an orange-red fluorescent carbocyanine dye.

DiI is a widely used lipophilic dye that labels cell membranes by inserting its two long hydrocarbon (C18 carbon) chains into the lipid bilayer. The dye is weakly fluorescent until incorporated into membranes. DiI diffuses laterally to stain the entire cell, allowing it to be used as an anterograde and retrograde tracer of neurons. In intact tissue, the dye does not transfer from labeled to unlabeled cells, but some transfer may occur when the membrane is disrupted, for example, after sectioning.

DiI is often used with other tracers in dual-color studies, such as DiA and DiO.

DiI, lipophilic tracer, 3225-25mg
DiI, lipophilic tracer, 3225-25mg
DiI, lipophilic tracer, 3225-25mg
Tracing of neurons with lipophilic tracer DiI (3225-x) in the mouse brain. The brain of a C57Bl6/CBA mouse at the age of 11 postnatal days. A small crystal of DiI dye (3225-x) placed on the tip of a glass needle was applied to a thick block of a fixed mouse brain in the region of the lateral (LHb) and medial (MHb) habenular nuclei using a positional micromanipulator. Imaging of the bodies and processes of entopeduncular nucleus (EP) neurons labeled with DiI was performed 2 months after the dye application.
Tracing of triangular septal nucleus neurons with lipophilic tracer DiI (3225-x) in the mouse brain. The brain of 11 days-old C57Bl6/CBA mouse. A small crystal of DiI (3225-x) placed on the tip of a glass needle was applied to a thick block of a fixed mouse brain using a positional micromanipulator. Imaging of triangular septal nucleus neurons labeled with DiI was performed 2 months after application.
Structure of DiI, lipophilic tracer
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Absorption and emission spectra of DiI

Absorption and emission spectra of DiI

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General properties

Appearance: violet solid
Molecular weight: 961.34
CAS number: 22366-93-4
Molecular formula: C59H97IN2
Solubility: DMSO
Quality control: NMR 1H and HPLC-MS (95+%)
Storage conditions: 24 months after receival at -20°C in the dark. Transportation: at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Desiccate.
MSDS: Download
Product specifications

Spectral properties

Excitation/absorption maximum, nm: 551
ε, L⋅mol−1⋅cm−1: 144500
Emission maximum, nm: 566
Product is offered and sold for research purposes only. Product is not tested for safety and efficacy in food, drug, medical device, cosmetic, no express or implied authorization to use for any other purpose, including, without limitation, in vitro diagnostic purposes, for humans or animals or for commercial purposes.
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