Oligothiophenes as fluorescent markers for biological applications

44Citations
Citations of this article
45Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

This paper summarizes some of our results on the application of oligothiophenes as fluorescent markers for biological studies. The oligomers of thiophene, widely known for their semiconductor properties in organic electronics, are also fluorescent compounds characterized by chemical and optical stability, high absorbance and quantum yield. Their fluorescent emission can be easily modulated via organic synthesis by changing the number of thiophene rings and the nature of side-chains. This review shows how oligothiophenes can be derivatized with active groups such as phosphoramidite, N-hydroxysuccinimidyl and 4-sulfotetrafluorophenyl esters, isothiocyanate and azide by which the (bio)molecules of interest can be covalently bound. This paper also describes how molecules such as oligonucleotides, proteins and even nanoparticles, tagged with oligothiophenes, can be used in experiments ranging from hybridization studies to imaging of fixed and living cells. Finally, a few multilabeling experiments are described. © 2012 by the authors.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Capobianco, M. L., Barbarella, G., & Manetto, A. (2012). Oligothiophenes as fluorescent markers for biological applications. Molecules, 17(1), 910–933. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules17010910

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free