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Chromeo™ Nanoparticles

Proteins or antibodies conjugated with fluorescent dyes are used in a variety of biological assays. However, in some applications, especially if target structures occur in small concentrations, the sensitivity of an assay can be limited due to low fluorescent signal. Amplifying signal intensity through the addition of more dye does not always provide the best solution due to the effects of dye quenching. The Chromeo™ Nanoparticles offered by Active Motif Chromeon have been specifically designed to provide superior brightness with minimal dye quenching. Each dye/particle combination has been carefully selected to provide the brightest possible signal and is an ideal solution for most applications.

Chromeo Nanoparticles are available in two different polymer types, each with unique properties. The PAN nanoparticles, made exclusively by Active Motif Chromeon from polyacrylonitrile, possess an extremely thin wall. This enables Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to occur between the dye contained in the particle and an external dye partner. The PD nanoparticles are less sensitive to oxygen and photobleaching than standard polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles, making them ideally suited for protein labeling and detection of antigen-antibody reactions. In addition to fluorescent intensity, Chromeo PAN and PD Nanoparticles are also available as Phosphorescent Nanoparticles with a variety of decay times. By combining these different nanoparticle types with the different dyes available, a complete set of particles is available that enables the most flexible use of nanoparticles.

Chromeo Nanoparticles Advantages

• Brightness – high intensity fluorescence improves sensitivity
• Small in size
• Excellent immobilization of the dye
• Choice of both nanoparticles and dyes provides maximum flexibility
• Supplied in a surfactant-free, neutral pH solution
• Available in multiple surface modifications
• Also available as phosphorescent particles

Available Nanoparticles

Figure 1: Examples of Chromeo Nanoparticles.