1,1',3,3,3',3'-Hexamethylindotricarbocyanine iodide | CAS 19764-96-6

1,1’,3,3,3’,3’-Hexamethylindotricarbocyanine iodide, often referred to as “HITC,” is a cyanine dye with numerous applications in both research and clinical fields. Here are some key applications of HITC:

Fluorescence Imaging: HITC is widely used in fluorescence imaging techniques due to its strong absorbance and emission properties in the near-infrared region. This makes it valuable for imaging tissues and cells with minimal background interference. Researchers use HITC to label biomolecules and track them in live cell imaging studies and in vivo animal models.

Photodynamic Therapy: HITC has potential applications in photodynamic therapy, where it serves as a photosensitizer that produces reactive oxygen species upon light activation. This can selectively target and destroy cancer cells when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This approach provides a non-invasive treatment option with minimal side effects compared to traditional therapies.

Flow Cytometry: HITC can be employed in flow cytometry as a fluorescent dye to label and detect specific cellular populations. Its near-infrared fluorescence allows for multi-color labeling and reduces spectral overlap with other fluorophores. This capability enhances the precision of cellular analysis and sorting in various research and clinical applications.

Bio-sensing: HITC is utilized in the development of biosensors for the detection of specific biological molecules. It can be conjugated to biomolecular probes to create sensors that detect the presence or concentration of ions, proteins, or other analytes. These sensors are valuable tools in diagnostic applications, environmental monitoring, and biochemical analyses.