We have compared PMA and PMAxx™ for their ability to differentiate between live and dead cells in viability PCR assays, and in all bacteria strains tested*, PMAxx™ had better activity. Therefore, while we haven’t tested every bacterial strain, we recommend PMAxx™ for bacterial viability PCR.
A recent publication by Randazzo et al. compared several viability PCR dyes in norovirus, and found that PMAxx™ worked the best for that organism.
We have also compared PMA and PMAxx™ in viability PCR assays with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and found that PMA was equal to or better than PMAxx™. Therefore we recommend PMA for yeast and fungus viability PCR.
*E. coli, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillis subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Lactobacillus casei.
View more FAQs