Near-Infrared Fluorescent Labeled Chip
Near-infrared fluorescent labelling chip technology is a novel biomolecule detection and imaging technology. NIR fluorescent labels usually trap and scatter light at the 650-900 nm wavelength range, so they penetrate deeply low background noise on biological material. It is based on near-IR (NIR) fluorescent probes that can penetrate sufficiently deep, don't interfere with living tissue, and are excellent in signal-to-noise ratio.
Figure 1. Near-infrared fluorescence enhanced microarray detection of biomarkers. (Sources: Xu W, et al. 2020)
Principle of Near-Infrared Fluorescent Labeling Chip
The technique operates by attaching near-infrared fluorescent probes or dyes to specific biomolecules of interest. Lasers or LEDs excite these molecules which then emit fluorescent light in the near-infrared region. Ultrasensitive detectors such as CCD cameras and photomultiplier tubes can capture fluorescent signals which specialized software then processes to extract qualitative and quantitative molecular information. In the technology, the succussed key of the experiment is based on both the chip material (such as, silica-based membrane) and the Near-Infrared Fluorescent probe quality.
The Near-Infrared Fluorescent Labeling Chip Requires Effective Fluorescent Probe Design
Near-infrared fluorescent probe design requires a comprehensive examination of optical properties together with biocompatibility and target application needs. Achieving highly sensitive and highly specific fluorescent labeling results from utilizing molecular recognition together with self-assembly and photochemical reaction methods. The application scope of these probes extends across tumor imaging, living cell imaging and disease diagnosis as well as multiple additional fields.
Near-infrared fluorescent probes usually have the following advantages:
Low background interference: Near-infrared background fluorescence remains low between 700-900 nm which decreases tissue absorption and scattering effects improving both imaging depth and signal clarity.
- High penetration depth: Near-infrared light can reach deep into tissues because its long wavelength allows effective in vivo imaging.
- High sensitivity: Some probes deliver high specificity and sensitivity through molecular recognition mechanisms including targeted recognition-based probe design.
- Versatility: Near-infrared fluorescent probes enable simultaneous multiple functionalities including pH response, temperature response, enzyme activity response among others.
Benefits of Near-Infrared Fluorescent Labeling Chips
- Deep penetration of tissues: Since NIR fluorescent labels are longer wavelength, they penetrate deep tissue and are particularly useful for in vivo imaging.
- Reduce light damage: NIR fluorescent labelling is less phototoxic than visible light and hence can be observed longer.
- Signal-to-noise ratio higher: NIR background autofluorescence is lower so signal-to-noise ratio is higher which enhances the sensitivity of detection.
- Minimal scattering: As the NIR radiation gets scattered less in tissues, the image is more visible and the spatial resolution is higher.
- Multi-color detection: Near-infrared fluorescent tags are also multi-color, which is very handy for labelling and detecting multiple biological targets at the same time.
- High sensitivity and specificity: New NIR fluorescent markers like quantum dots are bright and photostable which makes them extremely sensitive and specific in biology.
Our Featured Services
High-sensitivity molecular detection
Real-time in vivo imaging
Multiple labeling and multi-parameter analysis:
- Multiple labeling experiments
- Complex biological network analysis
Low background noise detection
Personalized customization services
- Labeling probe customization
- Experimental design
High-throughput screening
- Drug screening
- Biomarker screening
Imaging data analysis
- Image processing and analysis
- Data visualization
Application of Near-Infrared Fluorescent Labeling Chips
Biomedical detection and imaging: Near-infrared fluorescent labeling chips are extremely useful for biomedical detection and imaging. They are, for instance, used for quantitative cancer marker detection, such as detection of several markers for cancer in serum with near-infrared fluorescent labeled protein chip technologies to perform single-dose detection of multiple cancers.
References
- Xu W, et al. Diagnosis and prognosis of myocardial infarction on a plasmonic chip. Nat Commun. 2020, 11(1):1654.
- Campu A, et al. Innovative, Flexible, and Miniaturized Microfluidic Paper-Based Plasmonic Chip for Efficient Near-Infrared Metal Enhanced Fluorescence Biosensing and Imaging. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2023, 15(48):55925-55937.