Multi-path quenchers: efficient quenching of common fluorophores.

ABSTRACT: Fluorescence quenching groups are widely employed in biological detection, sensing, and imaging. To date, a relatively small number of such groups are in common use. Perhaps the most commonly used quencher, dabcyl, has limited efficiency with a broad range of fluorophores. Here, we describe a molecular approach to improve the efficiency of quenchers by increasing their electronic complexity. Multi-Path Quenchers (MPQ) are designed to have multiple donor or acceptor groups in their structure, allowing for a multiplicity of conjugation pathways of varied length. This has the effect of broadening the absorption spectrum, which in turn can increase quenching efficiency and versatility. Six such MPQ derivatives are synthesized and tested for quenching efficiency in a DNA hybridization context.

SUBMITTER: Crisalli P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3226780 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature