Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
07:36
Autofluorescence Imaging to Evaluate Cellular Metabolism
Published on: November 15, 2021
4.8K
Multianalyte microphysiometry reveals changes in cellular bioenergetics upon exposure to fluorescent dyes
Tesniem F Shinawi1, Danielle W Kimmel, David E Cliffel
1Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University , VU Station B, Nashville, TN 37235-1822, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|November 16, 2013
Summary
Fluorescent dyes can alter cellular metabolism, impacting research results. SYTO dye 13 significantly shifted PC-12 and RAW 264.7 cells to anaerobic respiration, highlighting the need for careful probe selection in cell studies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Fluorescent dyes are widely used to study cell growth, location, morphology, and viability.
- Potential unintended cellular effects of these dyes can compromise experimental results.
- Electrochemistry offers a noninvasive approach to assess dye-induced metabolic changes.
Discussion:
- The multianalyte microphysiometer (MAMP) enabled real-time electrochemical monitoring of extracellular metabolites.
- Investigated immediate metabolic effects of SYTO, DAPI dilactate, Hoechst 33342, and FITC nuclear stains.
- Assessed changes in glucose, lactate, oxygen, and extracellular acidification in PC-12 and RAW 264.7 cells.
Key Insights:
- SYTO dye 13 significantly reduced glucose and oxygen consumption in both cell lines.
- SYTO dye 13 increased extracellular acidification and lactate production, indicating a shift to anaerobic respiration.
- Other tested fluorescent dyes did not induce significant metabolic alterations.
Outlook:
- Highlights the critical need for careful consideration of fluorescent dye impact on cellular metabolism.
- Emphasizes the importance of noninvasive electrochemical methods for validating dye safety.
- Suggests further research into alternative probes with minimal metabolic interference for cell studies.
