Global InformationFluorophore information
 | This article may contain unverified or indiscriminate information in embedded lists. (February 2016) |
A fluorophore (or fluorochrome, similarly to a chromophore) is a fluorescent chemical compound that can re-emit light upon light excitation. Fluorophores typically contain several combined aromatic groups, or planar or cyclic molecules with several π bonds.[1]
Fluorophores are sometimes used alone, as a tracer in fluids, as a dye for staining of certain structures, as a substrate of enzymes, or as a probe or indicator (when its fluorescence is affected by environmental aspects such as polarity or ions). More generally they are covalently bonded to macromolecules, serving as a markers (or dyes, or tags, or reporters) for affine or bioactive reagents (antibodies, peptides, nucleic acids). Fluorophores are notably used to stain tissues, cells, or materials in a variety of analytical methods, such as fluorescent imaging and spectroscopy.
Fluorescein, via its amine-reactive isothiocyanate derivative fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), has been one of the most popular fluorophores. From antibody labeling, the applications have spread to nucleic acids thanks to carboxyfluorescein. Other historically common fluorophores are derivatives of rhodamine (TRITC), coumarin, and cyanine.[2] Newer generations of fluorophores, many of which are proprietary, often perform better, being more photostable, brighter, or less pH-sensitive than traditional dyes with comparable excitation and emission.[3][4]
- ^ Juan Carlos Stockert, Alfonso Blázquez-Castro (2017). "Chapter 3 Dyes and Fluorochromes". Fluorescence Microscopy in Life Sciences. Bentham Science Publishers. pp. 61–95. ISBN 978-1-68108-519-7. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
- ^ Rietdorf J (2005). Microscopic Techniques. Advances in Biochemical Engineering / Biotechnology. Berlin: Springer. pp. 246–9. ISBN 3-540-23698-8. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Pawleywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Lakowicz, JR (2006). Principles of fluorescence spectroscopy (3rd ed.). Springer. p. 954. ISBN 978-0-387-31278-1.