Molecular Probes, Inc.

Brian Matthew Hoyland

Richard P Haugland

Michael A Kuhn

The present invention describes a family of fluorescent indicators for metal cations. The indicators are fluorophore conjugates of pyridyl-based metal ion chelators. The indicators are very sensitive detection as quantification reagents for a variety of metals, in a variety of oxidation states, even in the presence of high concentrations of Ca.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+ or other ions, such as is found in seawater, making them highly useful for assaying physiological samples, biological samples, or environmental samples.

Fluorescent conjugates of metal-chelating nitrogen heterocycles

The present invention describes the use of a family of fluorescent indicators for metal cations. The indicators are fluorophore conjugates of pyridyl-based metal ion chelators. The indicators are very sensitive detection as quantification reagents for a variety of metals, in a variety of oxidation states, even in the presence of high concentrations of Ca.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+ or other ions, such as is found in seawater, making them highly useful for assaying physiological samples, biological samples, or environmental samples.

Methods of sensing with fluorescent conjugates of metal-chelating

The indicator compounds of the present invention are substituted or unsubstituted 5'-nitro-BAPTA chelators that contain a benzazolyl-coumarin substructure, and the pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic salts and esters thereof. These compounds are useful for the detection and quantification of polycationic metal ions, particularly Zn.sup.2+, Pb.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, Cd.sup.2+, Hg.sup.2+ and La.sup.3+. The compounds of the invention have the structure: ##STR1## where m=2 or 3 and X can be S, O, or C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ; optionally substituted by substituents that alter the binding affinity of the indicator, shift the spectral properties of the indicator, or act as a reactive site for the preparation of a variety of conjugates.

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Eugene, OR, United States of America

Brian Matthew Hoyland