Rapid differentiation and quantification of live/dead cancer cells using differential photochemical behavior of acridine orange

Abstract

This paper demonstrates for the first time a simple analytical method for differentiation and quantification of dead/live cancer cells using acridine orange (AO) enabled fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Based on the differential fluorescence (live cells fluoresce green and dead cells orange) exhibited when intercalated with AO, the live/dead cells can be easily differentiated. The optimal AO concentration for enhanced sensitive differentiation has been optimized as 0.001%. These studies offer a promising application for rapid differentiation and quantification of live/dead cells in the case of cytotoxic treatment/therapies within several minutes.