Apoptosis assay kits
Apoptosis assay kits package all the reagents and protocols needed to run an apoptosis assay in one convenient package, speeding up your time-to-result, compared to setting up the assays from individual reagents.
We produce and supply a range of apoptosis assay kits used to investigate various aspects of apoptotic cell death. These include Annexin V assay kits to measure cell surface phosphatidylserine, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation assay kits such as TUNEL assay kits, caspase and cathepsin assay kits, and kits to analyze mitochondria-associated apoptosis markers, including measures of cytochrome C release and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential.
By apoptosis readout
Selecting the right assay depends on the biological event you want to measure. Different apoptosis markers correspond to distinct stages of the apoptotic process.
Annexin V (early apoptosis)
Annexin V assays detect the externalization of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface, one of the earliest markers of apoptosis. These assays are commonly used with flow cytometry or microscopy and often include viability dyes such as propidium iodide or 7-AAD to distinguish live, apoptotic, and necrotic cells.
DNA fragmentation and TUNEL (late apoptosis)
DNA fragmentation is a hallmark of late-stage apoptosis. TUNEL assays label DNA strand breaks, enable sensitive detection of apoptotic nuclei in cells and tissue sections using fluorescence or colorimetric.
Caspase activity
Caspases are central regulators of apoptosis. Caspase activity assays detect enzymatic cleavage of specific peptide substrates and are available in colorimetric, fluorometric, and cell-based formats for plate readers, imaging, and flow cytometry.
Mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome C release
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key event in intrinsic apoptosis pathways. Assays measuring membrane potential or cytochrome C release provide insight into mitochondrial involvement in apoptosis and are compatible with both imaging and flow cytometry workflows.
By detection method
Apoptosis assays can also be selected based on the detection platform and experimental setup.
Flow cytometry
Flow cytometry enables high-throughput, single-cell analysis of apoptosis markers such as Annexin V binding, caspase activation, and mitochondrial potential changes. This method is ideal for multiparametric analysis of heterogeneous cell populations.
Imaging and microscopy
Imaging-based assays allow visualization of morphological and biochemical changes associated with apoptosis, including chromatin condensation, membrane changes, and DNA fragmentation. These assays are suitable for both fixed and live cell imaging.
Plate-based assays
Colorimetric and fluorometric assays provide quantitative measurement of apoptosis-related enzyme activity, such as caspases, in a high-throughput microplate format. These assays are well suited for screening applications and comparative studies.
Assay categories
Annexin V assay kits
Detect apoptosis with confidence.
Our Annexin V assay kits enable the easy identification of apoptotic cells by targeting the exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. Each kit includes fluorescently labeled Annexin V, available in FITC and other dyes, plus buffers, full protocols, and a membrane-impermeable dye like propidium iodide or 7-AAD. This combination lets you distinguish intact, apoptotic, and necrotic cells using flow cytometry or microscopy.
Chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation assay kits
Gain confidence in understanding the final stages of apoptosis.
These assays measure structural changes in chromatin during apoptosis, enabling visualization of condensed nuclei using microscopy or flow cytometry.
DNA fragmentation assay kits
Detect DNA fragmentation quickly and accurately.
TUNEL assays label DNA strand breaks and are available in fluorescent and colorimetric formats. These kits support both cell-based and tissue-based applications.
Caspase and cathepsin assay kits
Measure key enzymes in apoptosis with ease.
Our caspase assay kits detect enzyme activity using specific peptide substrates. Cathepsin activity assays provide additional insight into lysosomal pathways involved in apoptosis.
Mitochondrial apoptosis assay kits
Track mitochondrial changes during apoptosis with ease.
These assays measure mitochondrial membrane potential or detect cytochrome C release, providing insight into intrinsic apoptosis pathways.
Featured products apoptosis assay kits
Explore some of our widely used apoptosis assays:
Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit
A widely used assay for early apoptosis detection, enabling clear discrimination between live, apoptotic, and necrotic cells.
Designed for sensitive detection of DNA fragmentation in cells and tissue sections using fluorescence or colorimetric readouts.
Enables quantitative measurement of caspase activation in cell lysates or intact cells using plate-based or imaging formats.
These kits are developed with optimized protocols to ensure reliable and reproducible apoptosis analysis across a wide range of applications.
Supporting resources
To support your apoptosis workflow, explore:
- Apoptosis protocols and guides
- Apoptosis induction methods
- Apoptosis analysis workflows
- Cell health assay resources
- Caspase assay selection guide