Assay kits

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) include a number of active molecules and free radicals produced in the metabolic process of the cells. ROS are both necessary and harmful to organisms. ROS are involved in cell growth, proliferation, development and differentiation, aging and apoptosis, as well as many physiological and pathological processes. ROS also damage DNA and RNA and oxidize proteins and lipids. Excessive ROS will lead to oxidation stress and oxidative damage of cells, further promoting the development of many diseases, such as, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

2,7-Dichlorofluoroscin Diacetate (DCFDA) is a widely-used, cell-permeable redox sensitive fluorescent probe that is oxidized by ROS to yield the highly fluorescent product 2,7-dichlorofluoroscein (DCF) (Fig. 1). This Assay Kit uses DCFDA as a fluorescent probe for the detection of ROS generation. The aqueous solution of H2O2, is included as a positive control for ROS generation. N-acetyl-cysteine is also included as an antioxidant control.