Cayman Chemical Lysosomal Staining Kit (Red Fluorescence)

Cayman Chemical’s Lysosomal Staining Kit (Red Fluorescence) is a convenient tool for imaging lysosomes in live cells. The kit utilises a red fluorescent dye that permeates the lysosomes based on pH gradient. Once protonated, the dye is unable to leave the lysosome, resulting in enhanced fluorescence.

The kit includes bafilomycin A₁, which is an inhibitor of the vacuolar ATPase. Treatment with bafilomycin A₁ results in decreased lysosomal fluorescence upon staining with the lysosomal staining reagent.

Lysosomes are intracellular organelles that contain enzymes used for the hydrolysis of waste materials and other cellular debris. The pH of the lysosome is ~4.5 to 4.8 and is optimal for these hydrolytic enzymes. The lysosomal pH gradient is maintained through vacuolar ATPases which pump protons into the lysosomes.