Di-8-ANEPPS (CAS 157134-53-7)

Di-8-ANEPPS, with the CAS number 157134-53-7, is a synthetic lipophilic fluorescent dye used extensively in biophysical and biochemical research to study cell membrane dynamics and structures. This chemical is particularly notable for its voltage-sensitive properties, making it an invaluable tool in the investigation of electrical activities across membranes, especially in the field of neurophysiology and cardiology research. Di-8-ANEPPS embeds itself within the lipid bilayer of cell membranes and exhibits changes in its fluorescence intensity and spectral properties in response to alterations in the membrane potential. The mechanism underlying this sensitivity involves the movement of the dye within the membrane as the electrical field across the membrane changes. This shift alters the environment around the dye molecules, thereby affecting their fluorescence characteristics. This property is leveraged in research to visualize and measure voltage changes across membranes in real time, without directly interfering with the cellular or molecular components involved. Furthermore, Di-8-ANEPPS has been used in studies involving the mapping of action potentials in heart and brain tissues to understand better the propagation of electrical signals within these complex systems. Its application is crucial in non-invasive, high-resolution imaging techniques that contribute significantly to our understanding of electrophysiological processes in living cells.