Edinburgh: Novel fluorescein-derived intracellular pH sensor

Licensing opportunity

Scientists at Edinburgh University in Scotland have discovered an anthofluorescein dye that undergoes a pH-mediated colour change, which they say can be used to measure pH within living cells.  

The new anthofluorescein dye is characterised by a highly sensitive absorption and fluorescence emission, particularly in the pH range from 7 to 10. It has been used successfully to label living cells, indicating that it is suitable for use as a tool for cell labelling and viability studies. Moreover, using advanced microscopy techniques it can be used for other outputs including ratiometric reporting of pH, viscosity and/or temperature.

Fluorescent dyes are being increasingly employed as substitutes for radioisotopes in medical analysis and diagnostics, including in vivo studies. The technology is available for license.

For more information, visit the project page at: http://www.university-technology.com/details/fluorescein-derived-anthocyanidin-inspired-ph-sensor