CYCLIC-SUBSTITUTED UNSYMMETRICAL CYANINE DYES

摘要

The invention describes the preparation and use of fluorescent stains for nucleic acids derived from unsymmetrical cyanine dyes comprising a substituted benzazolium ring system linked by a methine bridge to a pyridinium or quinolinium ring system having at least one substituent that is a saturated or unsaturated cyclic substituent. Superior fluorescent characteristics when complexed with nucleic acids give the dyes utility for the detection of oligonucleotides and nucleic acids in cells, gels, and solutions. The presence of the cyclic substituent results in improved permeability in a wide range of cells and gels, resulting in improved detection of nucleic acids. Combination with additional dyes permits analysis of cell membrane integrity, Gram sign, or cell structure and function.