Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to cyclooctatetraene containing dyes and their uses as fluorescent labels. Also provided are composition containing cyclooctatetraene. The dyes and compositions may be used in various biological applications, such as nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to kits, compositions, and methods for nucleic acid sequencing, for example, two-channel nucleic acid sequencing by synthesis using blue and green light excitation. In particular, unlabeled nucleotides for incorporation may be used in conjunction with affinity reagents containing detectable labels excitable by blue and/or green lights, for specific binding to each type of nucleotides incorporated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to compositions and methods for improving the intensity of the fluorescent signals during nucleic acid sequencing. In particular, at least one biotin-binding site of the labeled streptavidin is blocked to reduce fluorescent signal deflation.