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PREPARING DYE SOLUTIONS

As shown in Table 2, fluorescent dyes for biological investigation are usually used in aqueous solutions in the ìM range of concentration. Since most dyes are sold in powder form, dyes should be prepared as stock solutions at 1000x working concentration. Dissolve solid dyes in DMSO or DMF (dimethyl formamide) and store in small aliquots at –20°C. Dyes are photolabile, so take care to limit exposure to light. Prepare the working concentration of dye immediately before use, and mix with the solution in which the sample is mounted (e.g., PO4 buffer, pH 7, water, PBS, etc.).