2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (CAS 2044-85-1)

2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate is a chemical compound with various applications in scientific research and laboratory applications. It is derived from fluorescein, a well-known fluorescent dye used for visualization and detection purposes. 2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate, also known as DCFH-DA, possesses unique properties that make it valuable in experimental studies. It is a cell-permeable compound that can freely enter living cells due to its acetylated form. Once inside the cells, cellular esterases hydrolyze the diacetate groups, releasing the non-fluorescent DCFH (2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein) compound. DCFH can be further oxidized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) present in the cell′s environment, resulting in the formation of the highly fluorescent compound 2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein (DCF). This fluorescence can be quantified and monitored using various techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, or spectrofluorometry. The unique property of DCFH-DA to detect and measure intracellular ROS levels has made it an invaluable tool in studying oxidative stress, redox signaling, and cellular antioxidant responses. By visualizing and quantifying ROS production, researchers can gain insights into the role of oxidative stress in various physiological and pathological processes. Additionally, DCFH-DA has been utilized in various applications, including assessing cell viability and studying cellular oxidative damage. Its versatility extends to different research areas, such as cell biology, immunology, neurobiology, and environmental sciences.