Cell Imaging
As the market leader in fluorescent reagents, BOC Sciences uses its essential technologies alongside its expert staff to deliver various fluorescent reagent options for cellular imaging research. Our reagents demonstrate continuous innovation by providing solutions for organelle labeling like mitochondria and lysosomes and tracking dynamic biological processes including apoptosis and signal transduction. These reagents exhibit high sensitivity and specificity, while structural modifications such as PEGylation increase stability and biocompatibility, which leads to a substantial enhancement in live cell imaging quality.
What is Live Cell Imaging?
Live cell imaging relies on microscopy and imaging technologies to study cellular structures and functions and monitor their dynamic activities. Researchers in biology, medicine, pharmacology, and other disciplines depend on this technique to understand complex cellular processes in both normal physiology and disease pathology. Cell imaging can be divided into two main categories: fixed cell imaging and live cell imaging. Researchers use fixed-cell imaging for static structure observation, while live-cell imaging allows them to monitor cellular processes such as division and migration in real time. Live cell imaging yields more extensive information than fixed cell imaging since it records cellular behaviors as they occur naturally. High-quality live cell imaging depends on fluorescent reagents that are bright, stable, and non-toxic. These fluorescent reagents enable researchers to track target molecules within cells or on their surfaces for real-time observation of cellular activities. BOC Sciences specializes in creating fluorescent reagents that meet research needs and enable scientists to capture clearer and more precise live cell imaging results.
Core Competencies of Our Fluorescent Reagent Supply
Advanced R&D Platform
BOC Sciences boasts state-of-the-art R&D facilities and a multidisciplinary team covering fields such as organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and optical engineering. By continuously optimizing the chemical structures of fluorescent dyes, we enhance their brightness, photostability, and biocompatibility.Diverse Product Line
BOC Sciences offers a wide range of fluorescent reagents, including small molecule dyes, fluorescent proteins, quantum dots, and nanomaterials. These products cover a broad spectral range from ultraviolet to near-infrared, meeting various imaging needs.Customized Services
To meet specific research needs, BOC Sciences provides customized fluorescent reagent development services. Whether synthesizing novel dyes or modifying existing reagents, we deliver efficient and flexible solutions.Stringent Quality Control
BOC Sciences adopts internationally advanced quality management systems to ensure the purity, stability, and consistency of each batch of reagents. We also provide detailed technical documentation and experimental support to help customers optimize their imaging experiments.
Diverse Fluorescent Product Lines to Meet Your Research Needs
BOC Sciences possesses robust technical expertise and extensive experience in fluorescent reagent development. Our development capabilities cover all stages from molecular design, chemical synthesis, functional modification to quality control.
Diverse Fluorescent Dye Development
We offer a rich variety of fluorescent dyes, including organic small molecule dyes, near-infrared dyes, fluorescent protein labels, conjugated polymer dyes, and quantum dot fluorescent materials. These products cover the full spectral range from ultraviolet to near-infrared, catering to the requirements of multicolor imaging and multi-channel detection. Our fluorescent dyes feature high brightness, high sensitivity, and excellent photostability, maintaining stable fluorescent signals under prolonged exposure and high-intensity laser scanning.
Small Molecule Fluorescent Dyes
Near-Infrared Dyes
- Cyanine 7
- Indocyanine Green
- Alexa Fluor
Fluorescent Protein Dyes
- Green Fluorescent Protein
- Red Fluorescent Protein
- Yellow Fluorescent Protein
Functionalized Fluorescent Probe Design
For various biological targets (e.g., metal ions, pH, enzyme activity, proteins, nucleic acids), BOC Sciences has developed a wide array of highly selective and sensitive functionalized fluorescent probes, enhancing the accuracy and resolution of cellular imaging. By introducing specific recognition groups into the fluorescent probes, they can precisely bind or respond to target molecules, enabling high-precision monitoring of specific biological processes.
Ion and Metabolite Probes
Enzyme Activity Probes
- Protease Probes
- Lipase Probes
- Phosphatase Probes
Biomacromolecule Probes
- Protein Probes
- Nucleic Acid Probes
- Lipid Probes
Explore Our Comprehensive Probe Library for Cellular Organelle Networks
BOC Sciences offers a complete range of organelle-specific fluorescent probes that cover critical cellular structures such as lysosomes, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclei, allowing for precise localization and labeling of specific organelles. With highly selective and sensitive fluorescence signals, these probes are ideal for studying the dynamic changes, physiological functions, and interactions of cellular organelles, providing powerful tools for cell biology, drug screening, and disease research. Additionally, this product series is diverse, adaptable to various experimental conditions, and meets the diverse needs of researchers.
| Organelle Type | Core Probe Series | Functional Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lysosome | LysoSensor, LysoTracker | pH-responsive, ROS detection | Autophagy research, Lysosomal storage disease models |
| Mitochondria | MitoTracker, JC-1 | Membrane potential gradient-sensitive, calcium ion indicator | Apoptosis detection, Metabolic syndrome research |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | ER-Tracker, KDEL probes | Retention signal peptide modification | Protein secretion pathway analysis, Unfolded protein response |
| Nucleus | Hoechst, DAPI | Differences in nuclear membrane permeability | Cell cycle analysis, DNA damage response |
| Lipid Droplets | Nile Red, BODIPY | Hydrophobic binding | Lipid metabolism abnormalities, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease models |
| Cell Membrane | DiI, DiO | Embedding in lipid bilayer | Cell migration tracking, Membrane fluidity analysis |
| Golgi Apparatus | Golgi-GFP probe | Enzyme cleavage-responsive | Monitoring glycosylation of secretory proteins |
Custom Modification for Drug Delivery and Targeted Imaging
To meet the diverse needs of cellular imaging, BOC Sciences offers functional and structural modification services for fluorescent reagents. By introducing specific functional groups, ligands, and polymer modifications, we enhance the performance of fluorescent reagents in terms of photostability, targeting, solubility, and biocompatibility, improving their application in live cell imaging, tissue imaging, and molecular tracking.
Enhanced Photostability
By incorporating photobleaching-resistant groups, we enhance the photostability of fluorescent reagents, making them suitable for prolonged imaging and high-intensity laser scanning.
Targeting Modifications
Fluorescent reagents can be targeted by adding specific ligands, antibodies, peptides, or nucleic acid aptamers.
Biocompatibility Optimization
By adding hydrophilic groups (such as PEG, sulfonate, or carboxyl groups) or modifying with biocompatible polymers, we improve the solubility and biocompatibility of the fluorescent reagents.
Cross-Linking Modifications
We offer a range of functional group introduction and cross-linking services, such as NHS esters, maleimides, azides, alkynes, and bifunctional linkers.
Nanoparticle Labeling
Fluorescent materials can be labeled on the surface or inside of nanoparticles, enabling efficient encapsulation and targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs, which can also be used for real-time fluorescence tracking.
What Cell Imaging Applications Can We Help You Explore?
Confocal Microscopy Imaging
Used for labeling various cellular structures such as organelles and cell membranes. For example, mitochondria can be labeled with green fluorescent protein, allowing clear observation of their distribution and dynamic changes within the cell under confocal microscopy. This aids in the study of cellular metabolism and energy conversion processes.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Imaging
Commonly used to detect interactions between biomolecules. Two different fluorophores are labeled on the interacting molecules, and when they are sufficiently close, fluorescence resonance energy transfer occurs. By detecting the efficiency of energy transfer, molecular binding affinity and dynamic changes can be deeply understood.
Multiphoton Microscopy Imaging
Multiphoton excitation of fluorescent probes plays an important role in deep tissue imaging. These probes generate fluorescence under near-infrared light excitation, minimizing photodamage to biological tissues. They enable long-term, high-resolution imaging of cellular structures and functions within live tissues, providing powerful tools for research in fields like neuroscience.
Flow Cytometry
Using fluorescent probes to label specific antigens on the cell surface or inside cells, the fluorescence intensity is detected by a flow cytometer. This enables classification, counting, and analysis of cells and has wide applications in immunology research, tumor diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
End-to-End Quality Control System Ensures Probe Performance
BOC Sciences places great importance on the quality control of fluorescent reagents. We offer comprehensive quality testing services to ensure that each batch of fluorescent reagents meets the highest standards. Our quality tests include but are not limited to: purity analysis (e.g., HPLC, NMR), optical performance testing (e.g., fluorescence quantum yield, excitation and emission spectra), and biocompatibility testing (e.g., cytotoxicity, photostability). Through these rigorous tests, we ensure the high performance and reliability of fluorescent reagents in cellular imaging experiments.
- Spectral Performance Testing: This includes absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra, fluorescence quantum yield, and fluorescence lifetime tests to ensure that the optical properties of fluorescent reagents meet expectations.
- Purity and Structural Characterization: We use advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR to accurately characterize the purity and molecular structure of fluorescent reagents, ensuring product consistency and reliability.
- Photostability and Photobleaching Testing: Through long exposure experiments, we assess the photostability and resistance to photobleaching of fluorescent reagents under different imaging conditions.
- Biocompatibility and Cytotoxicity Testing: For live cell imaging applications, we provide biocompatibility and cytotoxicity tests to ensure the safety and applicability of fluorescent reagents.
Advanced Analytical Platform
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
- FTIR
- NMR
- Fluorescence Spectroscopy
- HPLC
- GC
- GPC
- TLC
- LC-MS
- GC-MS
- AAS
- ICP-MS
- XRF
- DSC
- TGA
- Melting Point Apparatus
- Polarimeter
- Viscometer
- XRD
- Karl Fischer Titration
Focus on Application: From Basic Research to Clinical Translation
Dynamic Live-Cell Imaging
BOC Sciences' probes, such as the CellTracker series, have extensive applications in dynamic live-cell imaging. They are compatible with confocal microscopy and live-cell workstations, enabling long-term tracking of cell migration, division, and signaling processes. These probes have high sensitivity and low phototoxicity, effectively minimizing interference with cell physiology. For example, CFSE (carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester) labeling can be used to monitor cell proliferation, quantitatively analyzing the cell cycle and proliferation rate. Additionally, the MitoTracker series probes can specifically label mitochondria, allowing real-time observation of mitochondrial movement and dynamics within cells. This is crucial for studying processes like apoptosis, oxidative stress response, and energy metabolism.
Multicolor Labeling and Super-Resolution Imaging
BOC Sciences offers multicolor fluorescent probes such as CY3-COOH and DAPI, which can achieve simultaneous imaging of multiple targets by combining different excitation and emission wavelengths, greatly enhancing the visualization of cells and tissue samples. This multicolor labeling strategy can be used to study the simultaneous localization and dynamic changes of multiple molecules in complex biological networks. For example, in cell signaling pathway analysis, it can accurately label and track the interactions of various proteins. Additionally, BOC Sciences' PEGylated fluorescent dyes, modified with polyethylene glycol, significantly reduce spectral crosstalk and background noise, improving image quality in super-resolution microscopy (e.g., SIM, STED). This technology offers great advantages in revealing subcellular structures, protein complexes, and biological processes at the nanoscale.
Drug Screening and Toxicity Assessment
Fluorescence imaging technology shows great potential in drug screening and toxicity assessment. BOC Sciences' high-sensitivity fluorescent probes can be combined with high-throughput platforms (such as microplate imaging systems) for rapid screening and effect evaluation of large compound libraries. This method allows for quantitative analysis of the effects of compounds on cell viability, apoptosis, and key metabolic pathways. For example, calcium ion fluorescence probes can be used to detect intracellular calcium fluctuations induced by drugs, revealing the effects on ion channels or signal transduction pathways. Additionally, membrane potential dyes can monitor neuronal membrane potential changes in real time, which are used for screening and identifying neuroactive drug molecules. This technology is widely applied in preliminary drug screening, efficacy evaluation, and toxicity testing in new drug development, helping to accelerate the discovery and optimization of drug candidates while reducing development costs and failure risks.
Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research
In the field of regenerative medicine and stem cell research, BOC Sciences has developed small-molecule fluorescent probes, such as nuclear localization signal peptide-labeled probes, providing strong tools for stem cell differentiation tracking and reprogramming studies. These probes can accurately label subpopulations of stem cells and monitor their differentiation process in real time, helping to reveal the molecular mechanisms of cell fate determination. For example, fluorescent labeling of specific transcription factors' nuclear localization changes allows dynamic observation of stem cell differentiation into specific cell lineages. Additionally, these probes show excellent stability and low toxicity both in vitro and in vivo, ensuring the reliability of experimental results. They are used in tissue engineering to track the survival, migration, and functional integration of transplanted cells, and they also assist in the study of disease cell behaviors and therapeutic responses in disease model construction.
FAQs About Cell Imaging
Which dye for live cell imaging?
Dyes for live-cell imaging should have low toxicity, high fluorescence intensity, and good membrane permeability. Common dyes include Calcein-AM (for labeling live cells), Hoechst (for DNA labeling), MitoTracker (for labeling mitochondria), and Fluo-4 (for detecting calcium ions). Additionally, BODIPY dyes are widely used in live-cell imaging due to their photostability and diverse fluorescence colors.
What is cell imaging used for?
Cell imaging is used to study cell structure, function, and dynamic processes such as cell division, migration, signal transduction, and apoptosis. It plays a crucial role in drug screening, disease research (such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases), and basic cell biology research, helping to reveal molecular mechanisms and accelerate new drug development.
What are the methods of live-cell imaging?
Methods of live-cell imaging include fluorescence microscopy (e.g., confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and multiphoton microscopy. In recent years, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has also been widely applied in long-term live-cell imaging due to its low phototoxicity and high temporal resolution.
Online Inquiry
