Water-Soluble Fluorescent Dyes for Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and quantifying biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, often rely on labels that are either expensive, hazardous, or require specialized equipment, and there is a need for water-soluble, intensely colored or fluorescent dyes that can detect biomolecules without prior illumination or chemical activation.
Innovation Solution
Development of water-soluble, fluorescent or colored dyes with specific absorbance and emission wavelengths, allowing for visual detection of biomolecules through appropriate selection and use of compounds like those with structures (I) and (I') that can be covalently bonded to analyte molecules, enabling detection without prior illumination or chemical activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioactive labels are used for detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but safety hazards and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long-lived radioactive labels with non-radioactive fluorescent labels that do not pose safety hazards. The fluorescent labels achieve comparable detection sensitivity through their optical properties while being safe for routine laboratory use and commercial applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from radioactive emission to fluorescent emission. By using cyanine dyes with optimized fluorescence quantum yields and appropriate excitation/emission wavelengths, the patent achieves high detection sensitivity without the harmful effects of radioactivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cyanine dyes are used for labeling, then biocompatibility and molar absorptivity are improved, but fluorescence quantum yield and chemical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite cyanine dye structures combining electron-donating groups (such as dimethoxyphenyl) with the cyanine core. This composite structure enhances the fluorescence quantum yield and chemical stability while maintaining the biocompatibility and high molar absorptivity of cyanine dyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of cyanine dyes by introducing specific substituents that optimize the balance between fluorescence quantum yield, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. The structural modifications allow the dyes to maintain high affinity for biomolecules while improving photostability.
3Measurement precision
If specialized labels are used for detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radioactive detection equipment with simple fluorescence spectroscopy or visual detection systems. The fluorescent labels can be detected using standard spectrofluorometers or even visual inspection in some cases, eliminating the need for sophisticated radiation detection equipment and specialized facilities.
4Measurement precision
If dyes requiring illumination or activation are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but duration of action and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent labels that are inherently detectable without requiring external activation or illumination steps. The dyes possess intrinsic fluorescence properties that allow direct detection upon binding to the target, eliminating the need for additional activation procedures and simplifying the detection workflow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These dyes provide intense color or fluorescence for visual detection of biomolecules, offering a rapid, sensitive, and reproducible method for analytical applications, independent of temperature and mixture composition, and are photostable, reducing the need for expensive equipment and hazardous materials.
Implementation Method 1
water soluble, fluorescent or colored dyes with specific absorbance and emission wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
maximum absorbance ranging from about 468 nm to about 508 nm and a maximum emission ranging from about 495 nm to about 525 nm
Data Source
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AI summary
Compounds useful as fluorescent or colored dyes are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): Formula (I), including stereoisomers, salts and tautomers thereof, wherein R1a, R1b, R2a, R2b, R2c, R2d, R2e, R2f, R2g, R2h, R2i, R2j, R2k, R2l, R2m, R2n, R2o, R2p, R2q, R2r and R2s are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds are also provided.