Abstract: The disclosure presented herein provides DNA constructs, recombinant cells comprising thereof, system comprising thereof, bacterial probes, and/or a recombinant cell decorated with various labels and/or synthetic agents, wherein said labels and/or synthetic agents can be reversibly modified or removed from the cells. Also disclosed herein are methods for decorating and/or modifying cells, preferably bacteria cells, and methods for using thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a turn-on fluorescent probe, wherein said probe comprises a quinoline based cyanine dye derivative (QBC) and a specific protein binder covalently attached thereto directly or via a linker. This invention is further directed to His-tag binding compounds and uses thereof in the preparation of genetically targeted detectable molecules and sensors which can specifically bind tag-labeled proteins. This invention further describes methods for using these turn-on probes and compounds for detecting and labelling a wide range of proteins in their native environment.