BioTracker^™ LD-1 Near-IR Lipid Droplet Live Cell Probe

Lipid droplets are fat storage organelles that play a key role in diverse cell functions. These include energy homeostasis, cellular metabolism, and innate immunity (1). As research in cellular lipid storage has progressed, it has become apparent that lipid droplet abnormalities may serve as markers for dysregulated cell physiology. This observation has come to be utilized for cancer diagnosis. Fluorescent probes continue to be promising tools for imaging due to their selectivity, sensitivity, and capabilities for real-time testing (1). Lipid droplet probes developed to date may suffer from suboptimal selectivity as well as “self-absorption.” The LD-1 lipid droplet probe was developed with a near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore to provide enhanced tissue penetration and to minimize autofluorescence. The probe fluorophore was designed to turn on through intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and motion-induced changes in emission (MICE) (1). The fluorophore spectral characteristics include a large Stokes shift which helps to reduce probe self-absorption. The unique probe structure enables increased emission output in a high-viscosity environment.

Recent years have seen increased demand for exceptionally sensitive and specific fluorescent probes for imaging lipid droplets (LD)s, particularly in the context of cancer diagnosis.

This LD-1 probe is chemically optimized for the low-polarity, high-viscosity microenvironment found in lipid droplets.

In contrast with Raman microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) fluorescent small molecule probes have been developed as promising tools for detecting LDs . Advantages of fluorescent LD probes include the capability for real-time and in vitro testing, plus excellent selectivity and sensitivity.


Spectral properties

Absorbance : 650 nm
Emission (max): 745 nm

Reference

Wu X, Wang X, Li Y, Kong F, Xu K, Li L, Tang B. 2022. A near-infrared probe for specific imaging of lipid droplets in living cells. Anal Chem. 94(11):4881–4888.

Purity > 98% confirmed by HPLC. Identification confirmed by HNMR, LC-MS, and elemental analysis.

This near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe selectively binds lipid droplets in live cells using a rapid, simple protocol for fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry detection.

Lyophilized. Black solid.

Store BioTracker^™ LD-1 Near-IR Lipid Droplet Live Cell Probe at -20°C, desiccated and protected from light. Centrifuge vial briefly to collect contents at bottom of vial before opening.

BioTracker is a trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Unless otherwise stated in our catalog or other company documentation accompanying the product(s), our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals.