• Bioinstrumentation
• Biomarker Detection
  • NIAD-4
• Industrial Monitoring
• Radars

NIR Fluorophores

The research into amplifying fluorescent polymers (AFP) performed by ICx Technologies demonstrated application in the life sciences for highly sensitive detection of specific biomolecules. As this line of research advanced, our Life Sciences team recognized a need to develop far red and near infrared (NIR) fluorophores for use as contrast (imaging) agents. A specific need was highlighted concerning the detection of amyloid-ß plaques, the suspected causative agent for Alzheimer's disease.

ICx Technologies partnered with MIT, the Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Pittsburgh and a major fluorescent dye developer to cultivate a new class of NIR fluorophores. Continued research has revealed that these fluorophores offer greater detection flexibility across multiple wavelengths (colors) for use in situ with histochemical stains as well as for use in biochemical assays as labels for in vitro analyses.

Red and near infrared spectral compounds have light penetration up to 10 cm in soft tissue (3 cm in brain tissue), with lower autofluorescence. These fluorescent imaging agents are excited or emit at greater than 650 nm (avoiding the absorption and light scattering of hemoglobin) and less than 850 nm (avoiding scattering and background interference from water). NIR fluorophores present clear advantages for deep tissue, non-invasive, in vivo imaging for life sciences labeling, sensing and detection applications.

The Life Sciences team at ICx Technologies has successfully applied NIR fluorophore technologies for in vivo functional molecular imaging agents such as NIAD-4, an amyloid binding fluorophore for Alzheimer's disease research.