Abstract: The invention describes the preparation and use of fluorescent stains for nucleic acids derived from unsymmetrical cyanine dyes comprising a substituted benzazolium ring system linked by a methine bridge to a pyridinium or quinolinium ring system having at least one substituent on the pyridinium or quinolinium ring that contains a heteroatom. The presence of the heteroatom-containing substituent results in higher sensitivity to oligonucleotides and larger nucleic acid polymers in a wide range of cells and gels, and for use in analysis of cell structure, membrane integrity or function.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a variety of merocyanine dyes and substituted merocyanine dyes 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.