Plasma Membrane Imaging Services
Plasma membrane, also known as cell membrane, is a natural barrier between extracellular environment and cytoplasm. Its main components are lipids and proteins. Plasma membrane plays an important role in many biological events, including cell division, signal transduction, endocytosis, exocytosis and apoptosis. At present, direct imaging and observation of the plasma membrane of living cells is still one of the most effective methods to study its role, function and its relationship with specific cell responses.
Figure 1. Schematic depicting the organization of cell membrane and associated components. (Syed A, et al. 2017).
Plasma Membrane Imaging Analysis
Fluorescence imaging is considered the gold standard for optical imaging of plasma membranes. Researchers usually use organic fluorescent dyes or their derivatives to monitor cell processes and events related to plasma membranes in real time. However, due to the rapid cell internalization of fluorescent dyes and rapid separation of the dye from the membrane, it is difficult to image the plasma membrane with long-term stability. In order to extend the retention time of various fluorescent dyes on the cell membrane, CD BioSciences can develop new fluorescent probes for you to monitor the morphological changes and kinetic changes of plasma membrane during cell apoptosis for a long time.
Plasma Membrane Imaging Analysis Workflow
The following are the specific experimental steps of plasma membrane imaging analysis:
Synthetic fluorescent probe
We will design and synthesize fluorescent probes for you according to your needs, and characterize them by NMR, dynamic light scattering and GC.
Step 1
Cell culture
The cells were seeded into DMEM containing FBS and penicillin/streptomycin. Incubate for 1 day in a 5% CO2 environment at 37 °C. Then remove the cell culture medium and incubate for 24 h with fresh medium containing different chromogenic agents.
Step 2
Cell staining
After several washing steps, the glass slide containing the sample was imaged under a STED microscope with various parameters set to observe the morphology of peroxisomes.
Step 3
Confocal fluorescence imaging
The processed cells are imaged under a confocal laser scanning microscope to monitor the morphological changes of the plasma membrane during cell events, and confocal images are acquired at different time points.
Step 4Delivery
Customized fluorescent probe
Confocal images at different time points
Retention time of imaging reagent in plasma membrane
Normalized fluorescence intensity
Provide other data according to your needs
Our Advantages
- Prevents the detachment of the dye from the plasma membrane
- Avoid a lot of internalization of the dye
- Delay the rapid loss of fluorescence
- Experienced scientists provide experimental consultation
- Reasonable price and short turnaround time
CD BioSciences has a professional team and advanced imaging equipment. The entire process of plasma membrane imaging analysis is operated by experienced technicians to ensure the accuracy of the experiment. If you have any needs, please feel free to contact us. We will customize fluorescent probes for plasma membrane imaging for you to study its morphological and dynamic changes in cellular processes.
- Jia H R, Wang H Y, Yu Z W, et al. Long-time plasma membrane imaging based on a two-step synergistic cell surface modification strategy[J]. Bioconjugate chemistry, 2016, 27(3): 782-789.
- Syed A, Smith E A. Raman imaging in cell membranes, lipid-rich organelles, and lipid bilayers[J]. Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry, 2017, 10: 271-291.
*If your organization requires the signing of a confidentiality agreement, please contact us by email.
Please note: Our services can only be used for research purposes. Do not use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures!