Fluorescent dyes contain a fluorophore, a molecule that absorbs light at a specific wavelength and then emits light at a longer wavelength. BroadPharm, for example, offers fluorescent reagents with various fluorophores attached to different functional groups.
Key Components of Fluorescent Dyes
- Fluorophore: This is the core component, responsible for the fluorescence. Different fluorophores emit light at different wavelengths, resulting in a variety of colors.
- Functional Groups: These are chemical groups attached to the fluorophore. They enable the dye to bind or react with specific molecules or surfaces. Common examples from BroadPharm's offerings include azide, DBCO, alkyne, TCO, tetrazine, NHS active ester, amine, maleimide, and thiol groups. These functional groups determine how the dye can be used for labeling or conjugation in various applications.
Functional Group Applications:
- Azide, DBCO, alkyne, TCO, tetrazine: Used in click chemistry reactions for efficient and specific labeling.
- NHS active ester, amine, maleimide, thiol: React with specific functional groups on proteins or other biomolecules, allowing for targeted labeling.
These components work together to create a versatile tool used in various applications like biological imaging, diagnostics, and tracking. The specific composition of a fluorescent dye varies depending on its intended use.
