Near infrared emitting squaraine (SQ) dyes are promising candidates for bioimaging applications. Two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) imaging is a powerful tool being used for the study of biological functions since it produces 3D images with minimal damage to cells and lower fluorophore photobleaching. SQ dyes normally exhibit fluorescence maxima in the near infrared region, providing deeper penetration through biological samples such as thick tissue sections. Dyes that exhibited potential utility for 2PFM imaging of cells and tissue were synthesized and underwent comprehensive photophysical characterization using spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-vis absorption, fluorescence emission, and excitation anisotropy. The SQ dyes were evaluated for cell toxicity to determine the dye concentration for the cell incubation for 2PFM imaging of the dyes within the cells. By formation of bioconjugates with specific biomarkers, these dyes may be used as probes for early cancer detection.

Squaraine dyes for two-photon fluorescence bioimaging

245th National Meeting (2013)

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