0

Protocol I: Anatomical mapping of cellulose in plant tissues using Carbotrace 680

This protocol describes a non-destructive method of anatomical mapping of cellulose structures in plant tissues.

Solutions and Reagents:

Carbotrace 680 is provided as concentrated solution. The following common reagents are required (not supplied):

  • Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4

Assay Procedure:

  • Prepare thin sections of plant tissue.
  • Dilute Carbotrace 680 in PBS 1:1000.
  • Apply diluted Carbotrace™ generously on the plant tissue. Use enough liquid (ca 0.5 ml) to prevent the sections from drying out during incubation. Incubate for 30 min.
  • Wash 2 x 5 min in PBS.
  • Mount sections for microscopic analysis.

Fluorescence Microscopy:

  • Carbotrace 680: Excite at 535 nm and detect emission using a 575-620 nm bandpass filter. Excitation at 635 nm and detection using a 655-755 nm bandpass filter is also possible. Alternatively, you can use the standard settings for AlexaFluor™635. The broad optical spectrum allows custom settings to be applied, using an excitation range of 530-565 nm and a detection range of 600-800 nm.

Download Protocol

Read more →

Protocol II: Measurement of cellulose content in a sample using Carbotrace 680

This protocol describes how to use Carbotrace 680 to determine cellulose content in a sample.

Solutions and Reagents:

Carbotrace 680 is provided as concentrated solution. The following common reagents are required (not supplied):

  • Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4
  • 96-well plate (round bottom)
  • Spectrophotometer

Assay Procedure:

  • Prepare a dilution series of your cellulose containing sample im PBS (e.g.: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:100, 0)
  • Dilute Carbotrace 680 in PBS 1:500.
  • Add 50 µl of each cellulose containing dilution into a well of a 96-well plate.
  • Add 50 µl diluted Carbotrace 680 to each cellulose containing dilution and the blank control.
  • Measure emission using spectrophotometer settings (see 'Spectrophotometer Settings' below).

Spectrophotometer Settings:

  • Carbotrace 680: Excite at 540 nm and collect emission at 680 nm. Optional: Record an emission spectrum (560 - 800 nm) with 540 nm excitation.

Download Protocol

Read more →