LDS 698: A highly sensitive probe for tracking mitochondrial membrane potential in live cells

Monitoring active mitochondria is crucial for gaining insights into essential cellular processes, including energy production, apoptosis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, current commercial tools have limitations in detecting subtle changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and tracking the dynamics of these changes in live cells. Here, we report a novel application of LDS 698, a hemicyanine solid-state laser dye, for staining functional mitochondria based on their membrane potential. LDS 698 exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in detecting subtle changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, making it suitable for various analytical techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and plate reader assays. Its robustness, photostability, and non-toxicity enable prolonged live-cell imaging for the detection and quantification of mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential. The use of LDS 698 can be extended to study cellular mitochondrial homeostasis and membrane potential dynamics, offering new opportunities for biological research.