DiR, IC-0138107
Product Introduction
DiR (1,1''''-Dioctadecyl-3,3,3'''',3''''-Tetramethylindotricarbocyanine Iodide) is a lipophilic, near-infrared fluorescent carbocyanine dye widely used for in vivo whole-body imaging, cell tracking, and membrane labeling applications. As a long-chain dialkylcarbocyanine, DiR exhibits extremely low fluorescence in aqueous environments but becomes intensely fluorescent upon insertion into the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of cell membranes. With excitation and emission maxima in the near-infrared region (Ex/Em: ~748/780 nm), DiR is ideally suited for in vivo optical imaging due to the high tissue penetration and minimal autofluorescence of near-infrared light. DiR is extensively employed for non-invasive tracking of labeled cells in small animal models, including monitoring cell migration, biodistribution, tumor homing, and stem cell engraftment. The dye is retained in cell membranes for extended periods due to its highly lipophilic nature, enabling long-term in vivo tracking studies over days to weeks. It is also used for membrane fusion assays, lipid domain labeling, and as a reference standard for near-infrared fluorescence imaging systems.
Product Features
1. Near-Infrared Fluorescence: Excitation at ~748 nm and emission at ~780 nm provide deep tissue penetration and minimal background autofluorescence for in vivo imaging.
2. Lipophilic Membrane Labeling: Long dialkyl chains provide stable insertion into cellular membranes with minimal dye transfer between cells.
3. In Vivo Imaging Compatible: Optimized for non-invasive whole-body fluorescence imaging in small animal models using standard near-infrared imaging systems.
4. Long-Term Cell Tracking: High lipophilicity ensures prolonged dye retention, enabling longitudinal cell tracking studies over days to weeks.
5. High Purity: Supplied at 98% purity for reproducible and reliable labeling results.
Specifications
Size: Available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 1 mL (10 mM in DMSO)
CAS Number: 100068-60-8
Purity: 98%
Molecular Weight: 1013.41
Molecular Formula: C63H101IN2
Excitation/Emission: ~748 nm / ~780 nm (near-infrared)
Solubility: DMSO: ¡Ý5 mg/mL; Ethanol: ¡Ý2 mg/mL; limited solubility in aqueous buffers
Storage and Stability
Storage Conditions: Store at -20¡ãC, protected from light and moisture. For the 10 mM DMSO solution, store at -20¡ãC protected from light.
Shelf Life: The product is stable for 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored as directed. For reconstituted solutions, aliquot and store at -20¡ãC. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Protocol (For Reference Only)
Important: DiR is highly lipophilic and poorly soluble in aqueous solutions. Use organic solvents (DMSO or ethanol) for stock solution preparation. Protect from light at all times. For in vivo experiments, ensure complete dissolution to avoid particulate injection.
1. Stock Solution Preparation: Dissolve DiR in anhydrous DMSO or ethanol to prepare a concentrated stock solution (e.g., 1-10 mM). Vortex thoroughly and sonicate briefly if necessary to ensure complete dissolution. Aliquot into single-use vials and store at -20¡ãC protected from light. The 10 mM ready-to-use DMSO solution may be used directly for dilution.
2. Cell Labeling for In Vivo Tracking: Dilute DiR stock solution into serum-free medium to a working concentration of 1-10 µM. Incubate cells with DiR-containing medium at 37¡ãC for 20-30 minutes with gentle agitation. Wash cells 2-3 times with PBS or complete medium to remove unincorporated dye. Resuspend cells in PBS or appropriate vehicle for in vivo administration.
3. In Vivo Imaging: Administer DiR-labeled cells via the desired route (e.g., intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection) into the experimental animal model. Image animals at appropriate time points using a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system with excitation at 740-750 nm and emission at 770-790 nm. Acquire images with appropriate exposure times and analyze fluorescence intensity at regions of interest.
4. Membrane Labeling for In Vitro Studies: For in vitro membrane labeling, dilute DiR stock solution into PBS or serum-free medium to a final concentration of 1-5 µM. Incubate cells at 37¡ãC for 15-30 minutes, wash 2-3 times, and analyze by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry using a near-infrared detection channel (APC-Cy7 or similar).
5. Dose Optimization: For in vivo imaging, the optimal labeling concentration and cell number depend on the cell type, imaging system sensitivity, and target tissue depth. Perform pilot experiments with a range of DiR concentrations (1-20 µM) and cell numbers to establish optimal labeling conditions for specific applications.
Precautions
1. DiR is poorly soluble in aqueous solutions; always use organic solvents (DMSO or ethanol) for stock solution preparation. Do not attempt to dissolve directly in PBS or culture medium.
2. Protect from light at all times; DiR is photodegradable and fluorescence intensity diminishes with light exposure.
3. DiR fluorescence is environment-dependent; fluorescence in aqueous media is minimal and increases significantly upon membrane insertion. Interpret fluorescence measurements with consideration of the local environment.
4. For in vivo administration, ensure complete dissolution and filter sterilize if necessary. Particulate material may cause embolism or non-specific uptake.
5. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
FAQ (Simplified)
Q1: What is the advantage of DiR over other carbocyanine dyes (e.g., DiI, DiD)?
A1: DiR fluoresces in the near-infrared region (~780 nm), where tissue absorption and autofluorescence are minimal. This enables deeper tissue penetration and higher signal-to-noise ratios for in vivo whole-body imaging compared to visible-wavelength dyes such as DiI (Ex/Em: 549/565 nm) or DiO (Ex/Em: 484/501 nm).
Q2: How long can DiR-labeled cells be tracked in vivo?
A2: DiR is highly lipophilic and is stably retained in cell membranes, enabling tracking of labeled cells for 1-4 weeks depending on cell division rate, dye dose, and tissue environment. The fluorescence intensity halves with each cell division as the dye is partitioned between daughter cells.
Q3: Can DiR be used for flow cytometry?
A3: Yes. DiR fluorescence can be detected by flow cytometry using an APC-Cy7 or similar near-infrared channel (excitation 633-640 nm or 740-750 nm, emission 750-800 nm). Ensure your instrument is equipped with appropriate lasers and detectors.
Q4: How should I dissolve DiR for cell labeling?
A4: Dissolve DiR in anhydrous DMSO to prepare a concentrated stock solution (1-10 mM). For cell labeling, dilute the DMSO stock into serum-free medium to the desired working concentration (1-10 µM). Vortex thoroughly and sonicate briefly to ensure complete dissolution. Limit the final DMSO concentration in labeling medium to ¡Ü0.1%.
Disclaimer
1. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
2. Due to the variable nature of biological research, optimization of labeling conditions and imaging parameters is recommended for specific cell types and experimental systems.
3. This warranty is limited to the replacement of the product. The manufacturer assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages, including loss of samples or data.
4. Wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves when handling this product.
Ordering Information
Catalog Number: IC-0138107
Product Name: DiR
Size: 5 mg / 10 mg / 1 mL (10 mM in DMSO)
Price:
5 mg: CNY ¥675.00 / USD $67.50 / EUR €81.00 / JPY ¥12150.00
10 mg: CNY ¥1080.00 / USD $108.00 / EUR €129.60 / JPY ¥19440.00
1 mL (10 mM in DMSO): CNY ¥1200.00 / USD $120.00 / EUR €144.00 / JPY ¥21600.00
2023 Version
