Abstract: Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that incorporate an aza-benzazolium ring moiety are described, including cyanine dyes substituted by a cationic side chain, monomeric and dimeric cyanine dyes, chemically reactive cyanine dyes, and conjugates of cyanine dyes. The subject dyes are virtually non-fluorescent when diluted in aqueous solution, but exhibit bright fluorescence when associated with nucleic acid polymers such as DNA or RNA, or when associated with detergent-complexed proteins. A variety of applications are described for detection and quantitation of nucleic acids and detergent-complexed proteins in a variety of samples, including solutions, electrophoretic gels, cells, and microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention describes a variety of substituted and unsubstituted carbazolylvinyl dyes and their use for detecting and quantifying poly(amino acids), including peptides, polypeptides and proteins. The labeled proteins or peptides are highly colored, but are also detected by their strong fluorescence enhancement. Poly(amino acids) are detected in solution, in electrophoretic gels, and on solid supports, including blots and dipsticks. The present method of staining is highly sensitive, extremely facile, and relatively non-selective and can be accomplished without the use of organic solvent additives.

Abstract: The invention describes reactive dyes having an alkyl spacer attached via a sulfonamide bond to a sulforhodamine 101 fluorophore, and a variety of useful conjugates prepared therefrom. The increased length of the covalent linkage due to the alkyl spacer results in dye-conjugates having a number of surprisingly advantageous properties relative to previous sulforhodamine 101-labeled conjugates, including enhanced solubility and increased fluorescence. The reactive dyes of the present invention are more stable than the known compound sulforhodamine 101 sulfonyl chloride. Novel reactive dyes are described for selective modification of groups other than amines, including thiols and photoreactive derivatives.

Abstract: The quenching compounds of the invention are nitrogen-substituted xanthenes that are substituted by one or more aromatic or heteroaromatic quenching moieties. The quenching compounds of the invention exhibit little or no observable fluorescence and efficiently quench a broad spectrum of luminescent compounds. The chemically reactive quenching compounds possess utility for labeling a wide variety of substances, including biomolecules. These labeled substances are highly useful for a variety of energy-transfer assays and applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the staining of amine-containing polymers, including including peptides, polypeptides, and proteins, in gels and on solid supports, using complexes of europium (3+).

Abstract: The invention relates to the staining of poly(amino acids), including peptides, polypeptides and proteins in gels and on solid supports, using neutral or anionic complexes of transition metals.