High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026

Effects of Kratom Mixture on Cell Death in COS-7 Cells Using Immunofluorescence

Effects of Kratom Mixture on Cell Death in COS-7 Cells Using Immunofluorescence

Streaming Media

Course Code

PCB

Course Number

4529

Faculty/Instructor

Dr. Stephen King

Faculty/Instructor Email

stephen.king@ucf.edu

About the Author

My name is Andy with my major being Molecular and Cellular Biology. I'd like to thank Dr. King for demonstating many lab skills and techniques needed for students. I've personally learned a lot from him and am thankful for his time.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

The purpose of this project was to visualize the cellular impact of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a supplement commonly utilized for pain management and opioid withdrawal. The project investigated the effects of a 5% Kratom mixture on COS-7 monkey kidney cells. By using immunofluorescence, the cytoskeleton could be observed, and we can determine if Kratom could result in cellular failure.

In the immunofluorescence protocol, the cells were fixed in a methanol based solution to preserve position, while also permeabilizing the membranes with Triton X-100, and applying specific fluorophores. We used indirect staining for Tubulin (Red, Goat anti-mouse 568), direct staining for Actin (Green, Actin-488), and the DNA (Blue, DAPI) counterstain to visualize parts of the cell. These techniques allowed for high resolution imaging of the cytoskeleton under fluorescent microscopy.

The key thing from this research was the cytoskeleton collapsing due to Kratom. Unlike the control cells, which had organized filaments and active mitosis, the Kratom cells showed unorganized and fragmented protein networks. This shows that there are many aspects that play a role in cell life, while also exploring how certain chemicals can drastically alter cell health.

Keywords

Immunofluorescence; kratom; cell death; COS 7 cells;

Effects of Kratom Mixture on Cell Death in COS-7 Cells Using Immunofluorescence


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