DiIC18(3); 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine DiI is a widely used carbocyanine membrane dye that labels cell membranes by inserting its two long (C18 carbon) hydrocarbon chains into the lipid bilayer. Particularly, it has been extensively used for the anterograde and retrograde labeling of neurons. The intense fluorescence and high photostability of the dye make it possible to visualize the fine structures (axons and dendrites) of the neurons. Due to its low toxicity and the tendency to give highly stable cell labeling, the dye has also been generally used for long term cell tracing of cells both in cultures and in living embryos or animals. Please also see our ready-to-use CellBrite™ Cell Membrane Labeling Solutions.
