Membrane fluidity kit

Membrane fluidity or "membrane viscosity" for short range lateral diffusion has best been measured using lipid analog probes that, when interacting, exhibit changes in their spectral properties. One of the best systems for use in such studies are the lipophilic pyrene probes that undergo excimer formation upon spatial interaction. When excimers form, the emission spectrum of the pyrene probe shifts dramatically to the red (longer wavelength). By measuring the ratio of monomer (EM max. 372 nm) to excimer (EM 470 nm) fluorescence, a quantitative monitoring of the membrane fluidity can be attained. These measurements can provide kinetic information, as well as in vivo monitoring of cellular function by both flow cytometry and microscopic analysis.

Exitation wavelength (nm): 350

Emission wavelength (nm): 450

The dynamic properties of the cell membrane and cytoplasmic microtubules and microfilaments, as well as the dynamic movement of lipids in micelles and vesicles is of importance in such diverse areas as activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and chemotaxis, activation of membrane enzyme systems and the specific assembly or mobilization of microtubules and microfilaments, enhancement of the affinity of chemoattractant receptors, as well as being associated with a variety of pathological syndromes related to membrane fluidity.

It has been recognized that the rotational mobility of fluorescent or magnetic resonant probes is different from that observed in lateral diffusion.

Kit size: 100 tests in a 50 μL reaction volume.