Biocytin is a conjugate of biotin and lysine which is small and soluble. It is widely used in neuroanatomical research as a neuroanatomical tracer.
Uses and applications
Biocytin is taken up by neurons and rapidly transported in both anterograde and retrograde directions.
It has high affinity for avidin and consequently, can be visualized by various avidin and streptavidin-conjugated markers for light, fluorescence or electron microscope detection.
Biocytin has a short half-life and is degraded by biotinidase a few hours after application.