Fluorescence Labeling Carbohydrate

BOC Sciences offers a wide range of fluorescent dye labeling services to researchers worldwide in the highest quality and most cost-effective manner. We can label carbohydrates using a variety of fluorescent labeling techniques. We can provide our customers with labeling services for a wide range of carbohydrates, including glucose, oligosaccharides, dextrans, glycoproteins, as well as assaying and evaluating the efficacy of these labeled carbohydrates.

Fig.1 Carbohydrate-Functionalized Fluorescent Polymers. (Disney et al., 2004)

What is Fluorescent Labeling of Carbohydrates?

Fluorescence labeling of carbohydrates is a method of binding fluorescent dyes to carbohydrate molecules so that they can be visualized under a fluorescence microscope or detected by spectroscopic techniques. This labeling strategy provides a non-invasive and highly sensitive method for studying the visualization of carbohydrates in a variety of biological systems. By selectively labeling specific carbohydrate structures, researchers can gain insight into their distribution, localization, and interaction dynamics.

Fluorescently Labeled Carbohydrates Services

BOC Sciences provides the service of labeling carbohydrates with fluorescent reagents. We can screen the labeling method, labeled fluorescent reagents (mentioned in Fluorescence Labeling), and carbohydrates to be labeled according to the customer's needs, and optimize the formulation, so as to provide the most suitable solution for the customer's project.

Steps for fluorescent labeling of carbohydrates:

• Selection of fluorescent reagent.
• Activation of fluorescent reagents.
• Selection of appropriate labeling technology for fluorescent labeling of carbohydrates.
• Selection of suitable way to terminate the reaction after the reaction stops.
• Purification and separation of labeled carbohydrates to remove unreacted fluorescent dye and other impurities
• Validation of labeled carbohydrates using appropriate analytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry) to ensure that the fluorescent dyes are successfully bound to the carbohydrates.
• Apply the labeled carbohydrates to the desired experiment or application. Select the appropriate fluorescence microscope, spectrometer, or other assay for the detection and analysis of fluorescence signals from carbohydrates based on experimental needs.

Fluorescently Labelable Carbohydrates

• Glucose: Glucose and its derivatives are carbohydrates that can be fluorescently labeled. Dyes react specifically with glucose and produce a fluorescent signal. For example, 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) is a commonly used glucose fluorescent dye that binds to glucose and emits a fluorescent signal upon activation.
• Oligosaccharides: Oligosaccharides include lacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides and oligosaccharides. Fluorescently labeled oligosaccharides can be used for intracellular, intraorganismal tracking and quantitative analysis.
• Polysaccharides: Common polysaccharides include starch, cellulose, alginate, dextran, etc. Polysaccharides can be interacted and modified with other molecules, such as fluorescent labeling, for structural studies and functional modulation.
• Glycoproteins and glycolipids: Glycoproteins and glycolipids are carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids, and they can be fluorescently labeled by different methods, generally chemical labeling and genetic engineering labeling.

Our Advantages

• Fluorescent substances are relatively rare in the analytical matrix, resulting in a low level of background noise.
• The detection problems caused by the lack of universal HPLC detectors can be partially solved by UV and fluorescence derivation techniques.
• High sensitivity.
• Provide the best quality fluorescent probes and multiple markers within the same molecule.
• Deep knowledge and rich experience in biomaterial modification and conjugation.
• All samples are carefully monitored for stability and characterized to ensure batch to batch consistency.

Project Workflow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the key benefits of using fluorescence labeling in carbohydrate research?

Fluorescence labeling allows for high sensitivity and specificity in tracking carbohydrate molecules in complex biological systems. It enables real-time monitoring and provides clear visual insights into carbohydrate distribution and dynamics within cells or tissues.

Can I use fluorescently labeled carbohydrates for live-cell imaging?

Yes, fluorescently labeled carbohydrates are ideal for live-cell imaging. The labels do not interfere with cell function, allowing researchers to study carbohydrate uptake, localization, and interactions in living cells without disrupting normal biological processes.

Are there limitations when using fluorescent dyes for carbohydrate labeling?

One limitation is the potential for steric hindrance, where the size of the fluorescent tag may affect the natural behavior of the carbohydrate. Additionally, care must be taken to select fluorophores with appropriate spectral properties to avoid interference in multi-label experiments.

How can fluorescence labeling be used to study carbohydrate-binding proteins?

Fluorescently labeled carbohydrates are often used to identify and characterize carbohydrate-binding proteins, such as lectins. By tagging carbohydrates with fluorescent dyes, researchers can easily visualize and quantify protein-carbohydrate interactions in a variety of assays, including ELISA and flow cytometry.