Six ionic liquid (IL)-modified dyes were synthesized and characterized. Compared to the methyl red and methyl orange, these IL-modified [MR](-)- or [MO](-)-based dyes exhibit lower melting points and enhanced solubility, and can be used as sensitive indicators towards free proton in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. This work also supplies a new concept of developing novel modified materi...

A core-clad fiber made of elastic, tough hydrogels is highly stretchable while guiding light. Fluorescent dyes are easily doped into the hydrogel fiber by diffusion. When stretched, the transmission spectrum of the fiber is altered, enabling the strain to be measured and also its location.

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has emerged as an attractive non-invasive approach for direct visualization of diseases which depends on the development of stable, highly specific and sensitive optical probes. The NIR region of the electronic spectrum offers a reduction in the background autofluorescence and an increase in the tissue penetration depth. Cyanine dyes have often been cons...

Fluorescence detection and imaging are vital technologies in the life sciences and clinical diagnostics. The key to obtaining high-resolution images and sensitive detection is to use fluorescent molecules or particles that absorb and emit visible light with high efficiency. We have synthesized supramolecular complexes consisting of a branched DNA template and fluorogenic intercalating dyes. Bec...

The chemistry and the physics of voltage sensitive dyes (VSDs) should be understood and appreciated as a prerequisite for their optimal application to problems in neuroscience cardiology. This chapter provides a basic understanding of the properties of the large variety of available organic VSDs. The mechanisms by which the dyes respond to voltage guides the best set up of the optics for record...

Styryl voltage-sensitive dyes (e.g., di-4-ANEPPS) have been widely and successfully used as probes for mapping membrane potential changes in cardiac cells and tissues. However, their utility has been somewhat limited because their excitation wavelengths have been restricted to the 450- to 550-nm range. Longer excitation/emission wavelength probes can minimize interference from endogenous chromo...

One of the most feasible methods of measuring presynaptic calcium levels in presynaptic nerve terminals is optical recording. It is based on using calcium-sensitive fluorescent dyes that change their emission intensity or wavelength depending on the concentration of free calcium in the cell. There are several methods used to stain cells with calcium dyes. Most common are the processes of loadin...

The fluorescent intensity of Cy3 and Cy5 dyes is strongly dependent on the nucleobase sequence of the labeled oligonucleotides. Sequence-dependent fluorescence may significantly influence the data obtained from many common experimental methods based on fluorescence detection of nucleic acids, such as sequencing, PCR, FRET, and FISH. To quantify sequence dependent fluorescence, we have measured ...