Alexa fluor dyes
Although secondary labeling can significantly enhance a fluorescent signal, a direct conjugate is preferred because it creates minimal background fluorescence and less nonspecific binding. The Alexa dyes are extremely bright and are more photostable than comparable dyes in many cases.
Here is a handy comparison chart:
Alexa dye | Excitation (nm) | Emission (nm) | Similar dyes |
---|---|---|---|
Alexa 350 | 346 | 442 | AMCA |
Alexa 405 | 402 | 421 | Pacific Blue, Cascade Blue |
Alexa 488 | 488 | 519 | FITC, Rh123, Cy2 |
Alexa 555 | 555 | 565 | TRITC, CY3, PE |
Alexa 568 | 578 | 603 | Liss Rhodamine |
Alexa 594 | 590 | 617 | Texas red, Cy3.5 |
Alexa 647 | 650 | 668 | Cy5, APC |
Alexa 660 | 663 | 690 | Cy5.5, APC |