Oligonucleotide Imaging Probe Conjugates

Fluorescent Oligonucleotide Probes

Direct-label oligonucleotide probes for visible-range optical detection in microscopy, hybridization assays, cell-based studies, and molecular diagnostics.

• Best suited for standard fluorescence instruments and microscope workflows
• Can be configured with terminal or internal label placement depending on probe design
• Commonly used for assay readout, localization, and direct hybridization detection

Near-Infrared (NIR) Oligo Conjugates

Longer-wavelength optical probes designed for reduced background, improved signal discrimination, and applications that benefit from deeper tissue penetration.

• Often selected for tissue imaging, in vivo optical studies, and lower-autofluorescence workflows
• May require different linker, purification, and handling choices than standard visible dyes
• Useful when wavelength selection and instrument fit are major project constraints

Radiolabeled Oligonucleotide Probes

Probe constructs designed for PET, SPECT, tracer studies, and biodistribution workflows where isotope-compatible chemistry is required.

• Supports nuclear imaging strategies rather than optical-only detection
• May use direct radiolabeling or chelator-enabled architectures depending on project needs
• Commonly used for pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and targeting studies

Label placement and probe performance

The label position can materially affect target binding, signal intensity, quenching, and probe accessibility. Terminal labeling is often the simplest path, but internal labeling may be useful for selected architectures where spacing, orientation, or dual-label logic matters.

• Choose 5', 3', or internal placement based on sequence context and assay geometry
• Account for steric effects near hybridizing or active regions
• Use linker spacing when needed to reduce dye-induced interference

Signal, background, and modality fit

Visible fluorophores, NIR dyes, and radiolabel-enabled designs solve different problems. The right imaging label depends on whether the goal is microscopy, whole-cell detection, in vivo optical imaging, or nuclear imaging.

• Visible dyes are often ideal for microscopy and standard instrument compatibility
• NIR dyes are preferred when lower autofluorescence or deeper penetration is needed
• Radiolabel-compatible designs are selected for PET, SPECT, or tracer workflows

Oligo chemistry and stability

The imaging handle must be compatible with the oligo scaffold and intended biological environment. Sequence class, backbone chemistry, strand architecture, and purification method all influence the final design.

• Consider DNA, RNA, siRNA, ASO, PNA, or duplex format requirements
• Evaluate how label installation affects solubility and handling
• Align purification strategy with dye class, loading level, and analytical needs

Analytical and workflow planning

Imaging probes should be planned around the actual readout workflow, not just the label. Instrument compatibility, isotope handling, intended controls, and required release specifications all matter at the design stage.

• Define the intended instrument or assay before finalizing the label set
• Specify whether single-label, dual-label, or radiometal-chelator architecture is needed
• Set acceptance criteria for identity, purity, and probe format early

1. Define the probe

Share sequence, oligo class, desired imaging modality, label preference, labeling position, quantity, and intended use.

2. Align chemistry

Match the probe scaffold, label class, linker logic, and purification strategy to the intended assay or imaging platform.

3. Release fit-for-purpose material

Provide material with project-appropriate analytical review for imaging, detection, or tracer-oriented workflows.

• Identity confirmation for the requested oligo architecture
• Purity review appropriate to the label class and project goals
• Assessment of label installation or conjugation outcome where applicable

• Project-specific discussion for fluorescence, NIR, or radiolabel-enabled workflows
• Release expectations aligned to assay, imaging platform, or biodistribution use case
• Format planning for single-stranded, duplex, or modified oligo constructs

Fluorescence workflows

Microscopy, labeled hybridization probes, assay detection, and probe localization studies.

In vivo optical imaging

NIR probe designs for lower-background imaging, tissue-oriented detection, and animal imaging workflows.

Nuclear imaging & tracer studies

Radiolabeled oligo projects for PET, SPECT, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetic analysis.