Abstract: The present invention provides for cyanine dyes as near IR quenchers. The cyanine dyes have absorption wavelengths in the near-infrared region of about 650-900 nm and are essentially non-fluorescent. The dyes of the invention have at least one linking group. The present invention also provides substantially non-fluorescent, NIR probes. Biological assays based on these novel, substantially non-fluorescent, NIR probes are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are disclosed that are useful for noninvasive imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range. The NIR is highly sensitive for tumor detection and tracking. The application discloses targeting a tumor-enriched cell surface receptor with a ligand-conjugated fluorescent probe, which specifically allows detection of the tumor relative to the negligible animal autofluorescence.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I) wherein Z is O, S, or NR35 wherein R35 is H or alkyl; R1-R5 are each independently H, alkyl, halo, carboxyl, amino, or SO3?Cat+, wherein Cat+ is a cation and at least one of R1-R5 is SO3?Cat+; R6 and R7 are each H, alkyl, or optionally, together with the (a) group to which they are bonded, form a ring; m and n are each independently integers from 0 to 5; X and Y are each independently O, S, Se or CR19R20, wherein R19 and R20 are each independently alkyl, or optionally form a ring together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded; R8 and R13 are each independently alkyl, (CH2)rR25 or (CH2)rR18; wherein at least one of R8 and R13 (CH2)rR18 and wherein r is an integer from 1 to 50, and R25 is a functional group that does not directly react with a carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, or a thiol group, and R18 is a functional group that can react with a carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, or thiol group; and R9-R12 and R14-R17 are each independently H, alkyl, halo, amino, sulfonato, R21 COOH,