Bio-Rad Introduces New CytoTrack™ Cell Proliferation Assays

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. has announced the launch of its CytoTrack Cell Proliferation Assays that provide unmatched flexibility when designing a multicolor flow cytometry experiment, allowing researchers to efficiently stain and track live cells in four colors for up to 10 generations — two more generations than other currently available methods can follow.

CFDA-SE, the most commonly used reagent for monitoring cell proliferation, is difficult to use in multicolor experiments because it has the same spectra as green fluorescent protein and the most frequently used fluorophore, fluorescein.

Unlike CFDA-SE and other popular cell proliferation assays that are available in only one color, Bio-Rad’s CytoTrack Assays are available in four different emission wavelengths ranging from blue to far red. This allows researchers to choose the one most suitable for their multicolor flow cytometric experiment.

The CytoTrack Assay dye reacts with primary amines using a proprietary chemistry that provides effective labeling of cells without the large efflux usually seen with CFDA-SE.

“This unique feature allows researchers to easily visualize up to 10 cell divisions, making it ideal for those interested in studying the induction and inhibition of cell division in any in vitro experimental model,” said Mary Thao, Bio-Rad Product Manager in the Gene Expression Division.

CytoTrack Assays come in easy-to-use vials with material sufficient for 50 experiments. The dye can be added directly into the culture medium, allowing researchers to save time.

Bio-Rad offers additional reagents and consumables to complete each step of flow cytometry experiments, such as cell viability assays, primary antibodies, and antibody labeling kits.