Fluorescein is a bright green fluorescent dye used in research and diagnostics, including microscopy, cell labeling, and biochemical assays. It’s highly sensitive, water-soluble, and ideal for imaging applications like fluorescein angiography. Despite moderate stability, fluorescein remains popular for its vivid fluorescence and versatility.
Fluorescein (FAM)
Fluorescein Probe: Overview, Features, and Applications
Fluorescein is a widely used fluorescent dye known for its bright and vivid green fluorescence. Commonly used in research and diagnostics, fluorescein and its derivatives, such as fluorescein isothiocyanate, are valuable for imaging, labeling, and a range of biochemical assays. It is also prominently used in clinical diagnostics, such as fluorescein angiography, to visualize blood vessels.
Key Features of Fluorescein Probes:
- Fluorescence Properties:
- Absorption Maximum: ~495 nm
- Emission Maximum: ~515 nm
- Quantum Yield: High, providing bright and vivid fluorescence signals.
- Chemical Properties:
- Polar: Fluorescein’s polar nature affects its interactions with biological molecules.
- Water-Soluble: Easily dissolves in water, ideal for use in aqueous and biological environments.
- Brightness and Stability:
- Bright Fluorescence: Delivers strong and clear signals for accurate detection.
- Moderate Stability: While effective for short-term use, it can fade under intense light exposure.
Applications of Fluorescein Probes:
- Fluorescence Microscopy: Essential for visualizing cells, tissues, and various biological samples with bright fluorescence.
- Biochemical Assays: Serves as a tag in enzyme activity studies, immunoassays, and other biochemical tests.
- Cell Labeling: Frequently used in flow cytometry and live cell imaging to track cells.
- Diagnostic Tests: Plays a key role in clinical applications such as fluorescein angiography for visualizing blood vessels and clean fluorescein stain tests for detecting corneal abrasions.
Benefits:
- High Sensitivity: Provides bright and precise detection, enhancing the accuracy of research and diagnostics.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from basic research to clinical diagnostics.
- Water-Soluble: Performs well in biological contexts and aqueous solutions.
Summary:
Fluorescein probes, including fluorescein stain and fluorescein isothiocyanate, are essential fluorescent dyes known for their strong fluorescence, water solubility, and versatility. They are extensively used in microscopy, biochemical assays, and diagnostic applications like angiography fluorescein. Despite moderate photostability, fluorescein remains a popular choice due to its effective performance in various research and clinical settings.
Additional Information:
- Fluorescein Disodium Formula: C20H10Na2O5
- Molar Mass of Fluorescein Disodium: Approximately 376.27 g/mol
Ref:
Fanyong Yan, Keqing Fan, Zhangjun Bai, Ruiqi Zhang, Fanlin Zu, Jinxia Xu, Xiang Li, Fluorescein applications as fluorescent probes for the detection of analytes, TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Volume 97,
2017, Pages 15-35.
Le Guern F, Mussard V, Gaucher A, Rottman M, Prim D. Fluorescein Derivatives as Fluorescent Probes for pH Monitoring along Recent Biological Applications. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 3;21(23):9217. doi: 10.3390/ijms21239217. PMID: 33287208; PMCID: PMC7729466.