Abstract: The present invention describes a family of fluorescent indicators for metal cations. The indicators are fluorophore conjugates of pyridyl-based metal ion chelators. The indicators are very sensitive detection as quantification reagents for a variety of metals, in a variety of oxidation states, even in the presence of high concentrations of Ca.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+ or other ions, such as is found in seawater, making them highly useful for assaying physiological samples, biological samples, or environmental samples.

Abstract: This invention describes bifunctional polysaccharides conjugated to both a chelating group suitable for the selective complexation of metal cations, and a targeting peptide specific for a cellular substructure. These bifunctional polysaccharides are primarily useful for the regulation, detection and quantification of metal ion levels, such as Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, or Li.sup.+, in specific cellular structures. Localization within the cellular structure is accomplished by the targeting peptide, whereupon the large, water-soluble polysaccharide prevents diffusion of the chelating group from the targeted site. When the target cell structure is the nucleus of a fertilized egg cell, the polysaccharide-chelator conjugate remains sequestered within the nucleus until the breakdown of the nuclear envelope, whereupon the reagent becomes sequestered into both daughter nuclei. This means of tracking daughter cells is practical even through several cell divisions.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a family of fluorescent indicators for metal cations. The indicators are fluorophore conjugates of pyridyl-based metal ion chelators. The indicators are very sensitive detection as quantification reagents for a variety of metals, in a variety of oxidation states, even in the presence of high concentrations of Ca.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+ or other ions, such as is found in seawater, making them highly useful for assaying physiological samples, biological samples, or environmental samples.

Abstract: This invention describes novel sensors for ions that are based on the combination of xanthylium-based dyes with metal-binding N,N'-diaryldiaza crown ethers. These sensors are primarily useful for detection and quantitation of alkali-metal ions in aqueous solution. Binding of the ion results in a change in the fluorescence properties of the indicating dye that can be correlated with the ion concentration. Methods are provided for attaching reactive groups on these sensors for conjugation to dyes, lipids and polymers and for enhancing entry of the indicators into living cells.

Abstract: The indicator compounds of the present invention are substituted or unsubstituted BAPTA-type chelators that contain a benzazolyl-coumarin substructure, and the pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic salts and esters thereof. These compounds are useful for the detection and quantification of polycationic metal ions, particularly Ca.sup.2+.The compounds of the invention have the core structure ##STR1## or the structure ##STR2## where m=2 or 3 and X can be S, O, or C(CH.sub.3).sub.2. The above core structures are optionally substituted by substituents that alter the binding affinity of the indicator, shift the spectral properties of the indicator, or act as a reactive site for the preparation of a variety of conjugates.

Abstract: The indicator compounds of the present invention are substituted or unsubstituted 5'-nitro-BAPTA chelators that contain a benzazolyl-coumarin substructure, and the pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic salts and esters thereof. These compounds are useful for the detection and quantification of polycationic metal ions, particularly Zn.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, Cd.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+ and La.sup.3+.The compounds of the invention have the structure: ##STR1## where m=2 or 3 and X can be S, O, or C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ; optionally substituted by substituents that alter the binding affinity of the indicator, shift the spectral properties of the indicator, or act as a reactive site for the preparation of a variety of conjugates.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorescent and/or reactive derivatives of 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxyethane)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) according to the formula: ##STR1## where at least one of W and X is a functional group, with or without a spacer, that terminates in an alcohol or phenol, a thiol, a haloacetamide, an alkyl halide, an amine or aniline, a carboxylic acid, an anhydride, an isocyanate, an isothiocyanate, a maleimide, or an activated ester. The BAPTA-like molecule may be further substituted, one or more times, by additional functional groups with or without spacers or by CH.sub.3, NO.sub.2, CF.sub.3, F, Cl, Br, I, or carboxylic acid derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or by indolyl or benzofuran fluorophores. The functional groups allow for subsequent covalent attachment of one or more oxygen heterocycle fluorophores (e.g. fluorescein, coumarin, rhodamine); or polymolecular assemblies (e.g.

Abstract: This invention describes novel sensors for ions that are based on the combination of xanthylium-based dyes with metal-binding N,N'-diaryldiaza crown ethers. These sensors are primarily useful for detection and quantitation of alkali-metal ions in aqueous solution. Binding of the ion results in a change in the fluorescence properties of the indicating dye that can be correlated with the ion concentration. Methods are provided for attaching reactive groups on these sensors for conjugation to dyes, lipids and polymers and for enhancing entry of the indicators into living cells.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory storage device for a programmable controller to provide an archival back-up for user programs with the use of a battery or other alternate back-up power source. The device can be attached to the programmable controller using a frangible tampering indicator that will break on the removable of the device from the programmable controller.