Bioorthogonal labeling involves reactions between functional groups that do not react with native targets in the cell. Therefore bioorthogonal conjugation can be highly specific and controlled. We offer dyes with a variety of functional groups for bioorthogonal labeling. The original bioorthogonal chemistries require copper catalysis, which can cause oxidative damage to cells and proteins. Newer chemistries require lower copper concentrations or are copper-free, avoiding this problem.
Azide reacts with alkyne to form 1,2,3-triazole by copper(I) catalyzed 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition. Picolyl azide undergoes the same reaction but at a much lower copper concentration. Azides also can undergo Staudinger ligation with phosphine containing compounds. Alkynes can be used as monomers to copolymerize into labeled polymers. BCN reacts with azide and methyltetrazine reacts with TCO (trans-cyclooctene) by copper-free reactions.
We offer a wide selection of our bright and photostable CF® dyes or biotin with your choice of bioorthogonal functional groups. Learn more about
CF® Dyes.