Abstract: Violet excitable tandem dyes are provided. Tandem dyes of embodiments of the invention include: a non-conjugated polymeric backbone; one or more violet excitable donor fluorophores linked to the non-conjugated polymeric backbone; and one or more acceptor fluorophores linked to the non-conjugated polymeric backbone; where the donor and acceptor fluorophores are in energy transfer relationship. Also provided are methods of making and using the tandem dyes, as well as kits that include the dyes and find use in embodiments of the methods.

Abstract: Water-soluble dipyrromethene-based dyes are provided herein. In certain cases, the water-soluble dye is a dipyrromethene-boron dye. Embodiments of the subject water-soluble dipyrromethene-based dyes have a narrow absorption maxima in the yellow green range close to or at the 561 nm laser line, and are suitable for use in tandem dye systems. Embodiments of the subject dyes efficiently transfer energy to an acceptor chromophore while a second dipyrromethene-based dye of the same or different chemical structure is within energy-receiving proximity therewith. Also provided herein are tandem dyes that include the subject water-soluble dipyrromethene-based dyes, e.g., as donor chromophores. Methods of evaluating a sample for the presence of a target analyte and methods of labelling a target molecule in which the subject dyes find use are also provided. Systems and kits for practicing the subject methods are also provided.