New Lumiprobe TCO Reagents for Fast Bioorthogonal Conjugation
New fluorescent trans-cyclooctene (TCO) derivatives expand the options for rapid, catalyst-free antibody, protein, biomolecule, and live-cell labeling using inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder chemistry.
Fast and Selective TCO–Tetrazine Chemistry
Lumiprobe has expanded its bioorthogonal chemistry portfolio with a new range of cycloalkene-functionalized trans-cyclooctene (TCO) reagents designed for inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) cycloaddition.
TCO derivatives react extremely rapidly with tetrazines without requiring a catalyst, making this chemistry particularly useful for applications where reaction speed, selectivity, and biological compatibility are important.
These properties make TCO–tetrazine chemistry an attractive approach for antibody conjugation, protein labeling, fluorescent probe preparation, live-cell experiments, and in vivo imaging.
The IEDDA reaction provides exceptionally fast kinetics while minimizing undesired interactions with naturally occurring biological functional groups.
Key Advantages of TCO Reagents
New Fluorescent TCO Derivatives
The expanded Lumiprobe portfolio includes TCO-functionalized fluorophores based on AF, Cyanine, sulfo-Cyanine, and BDP® dyes, providing multiple spectral options for bioconjugation and imaging workflows.
| Product | Fluorescence / Key Feature | Potential Applications |
|---|---|---|
| BDP® FL TCO | Bright, photostable fluorophore suitable for the FAM channel | Fluorescent labeling and microscopy |
| AF 568 TCO | Bright and photostable orange fluorophore | Protein labeling and fluorescence imaging |
| AF 647 TCO | Bright, hydrophilic far-red fluorophore | Antibody labeling and multiplex imaging |
| Cyanine3B TCO | TCO derivative of the bright yellow Cyanine3B dye | Biomolecule labeling and fluorescence detection |
| sulfo-Cyanine5 TCO | Water-soluble far-red fluorescent dye | Aqueous conjugation, protein and antibody labeling |
| sulfo-Cyanine7 TCO | Bright near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye | NIR imaging and in vivo applications |
Applications
- Antibody conjugation and fluorescent antibody preparation
- Protein and peptide labeling
- Biomolecule conjugation
- Live-cell fluorescence labeling
- Bioorthogonal imaging
- Multiplex fluorescence imaging
- In vivo and near-infrared imaging
How TCO–Tetrazine Conjugation Works
A biomolecule carrying a TCO group is reacted with a tetrazine-functionalized molecule. The IEDDA cycloaddition rapidly forms the desired conjugate without the need for a catalyst.
Because the reaction is both rapid and highly selective, it can be particularly useful when working with complex biological samples or sensitive biomolecules.
Choosing the Right Fluorescent TCO Reagent
Selection will generally depend on the excitation and emission channels available on your fluorescence microscope, imaging platform, or flow cytometer, as well as the other fluorophores used in the experiment.
For reactions performed primarily in aqueous environments, hydrophilic sulfo-Cyanine derivatives can be particularly convenient. Far-red and NIR fluorophores may also be useful when lower background fluorescence or longer-wavelength imaging is required.
Looking for Lumiprobe TCO or Tetrazine Reagents?
Dana Bioscience can assist with sourcing Lumiprobe TCO reagents, tetrazines, fluorescent dyes, and other bioconjugation reagents for your research.
Send us the product name or catalog number, desired quantity, and application requirements for pricing and availability.