Fluorescent polymethine cyanine dyes
The invention encompasses fluorescent cyanine dyes and methods of using such dyes. In particular, the invention encompasses near infrared polymethine cyanine dyes.
1. A compound of the formula of a fluorescent cyanine dye selected from the group consisting of
2. The compound of claim 1 , further comprising a biomolecule conjugated to the fluorescent cyanine dye.
3. The compound of claim 2 , wherein the biomolecule is selected from the group consisting of an antigen, an antibody, a drug, a vitamin, and a small molecule.
4. The compound of claim 2 , wherein the biomolecule is selected from the group consisting of a peptide, a nucleic acid, a carbohydrate, and a lipid.
5. The compound of claim 4 , wherein the biomolecule is a peptide.
6. A process for producing a fluorescent cyanine dye, the process comprising:
a. combining a meso-chloro substituted heptamethine cyanine dye, 4-carboxyphenylboric acid, and water;
b. heating the combination under reflux in the presence of Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 ;
c. isolating the resulting fluorescent cyanine dye.