Hoechst 33342

Hoechst 33342 is a fluorescent nuclear dye widely used in cell biology research to visualize DNA-containing structures, including cell nuclei. This bis-benzimidazole derivative easily penetrates live cell membranes and selectively binds to double-stranded DNA through minor groove interactions, enabling fluorescent labeling of chromatin. After binding to DNA, Hoechst 33342 is best excited at an ultraviolet wavelength of about 350 nm and emits blue fluorescence centered at 461 nm. The typical working concentration range for cell imaging applications is 0.5 to 5 µg/mL, depending on the cell type and experimental conditions. Researchers commonly use Hoechst 33342 for cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assays, cellular localization studies, and morphological examination of nuclei under fluorescence microscopy.