SunRed™ Acetate

Esterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of Sun Red acetate (SRA) yields the Sun Red fluorophore that can be excited with the 633 nm laser with emission of ~660 nm. The fluorescence of Sun Red can be readily detected using the Cy5 filter set that is commonly equipped with most of the commercial fluorescence instruments. Although Sun Red is readily excited at 633 nm with red emission of ~660 nm, SRA has very minimal absorption at 633 nm without red emission, making SRA one of the most sensitive NIR esterase substrates. SRA provides a second color for cell viability assay while the popular fluorescein color can used for another cellular functional assay. SRA is a non-fluorescent hydrophobic compound that can pass through the cell membrane whereupon intracellular esterases hydrolyze the acetate group producing the highly fluorescent product Sun Red. The Sun Red molecule accumulates in cells that possess intact membranes so the deep red fluorescence can be used as a marker of cell viability. Cells that do not possess an intact cell membrane or an active metabolism may not accumulate the fluorescent product and therefore do not exhibit deep red fluorescence. SRA may be used in combination with a green vital stain such as a FITC or Alexa Fluor 488-labeled antibody.

Protocol

SDS

COA

Catalog	Size	Price	Quantity
11405	25 mg	Price

References

View all 18 references: Citation Explorer

The secreted esterase of group a streptococcus is important for invasive skin infection and dissemination in mice

Authors:

Zhu H, Liu M, Sumby P, Lei B.

Journal:

Infect Immun (2009): 5225

Neuropathy target esterase is required for adult vertebrate axon maintenance

Authors:

Read DJ, Li Y, Chao MV, Cavanagh JB, Glynn P.

Journal:

J Neurosci (2009): 11594

Application of glutaraldehyde for the staining of esterase-active cells with carboxyfluorescein diacetate

Authors:

Morono Y, Takano S, Miyanaga K, Tanji Y, Unno H, Hori K.

Journal:

Biotechnol Lett (2004): 379

Evaluation of fitness components in strains of Drosophila mulleri carrying different genotypes for an esterase

Authors:

Lourenco MF, Ceron CR, Carareto CM.

Journal:

Cytobios (2001): 125

Purification and properties of an esterase from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and identification of the encoding gene

Authors:

Degrassi G, Uotila L, Klima R, Venturi V.

Journal:

Appl Environ Microbiol (1999): 3470

Physical properties

Molecular weight	~350
Solvent	DMSO

Spectral properties

Excitation (nm)	653
Emission (nm)	661

Storage, safety and handling

H-phrase	H303, H313, H333
Hazard symbol	XN
Intended use	Research Use Only (RUO)
R-phrase	R20, R21, R22
Storage	Freeze (< -15 °C); Minimize light exposure
UNSPSC	12171501

Instrument settings

Fluorescence microscope
Excitation	620 nm
Emission	660 nm
Recommended plate	Black wall/clear bottom
Instrument specification(s)	Cy5 filterset

Fluorescence microplate reader
Excitation	620 nm
Emission	660 nm
Cutoff	640 nm
Recommended plate	Solid black

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Page updated on October 12, 2025