Peptide Imaging Conjugates

Custom peptide conjugation for imaging, visualization, and tracking studies.

Overview

Peptide imaging conjugates are research constructs in which a peptide is covalently linked to an imaging-compatible label to enable visualization, localization, and tracking in biological systems. These conjugates are commonly used in receptor binding assays, internalization studies, flow cytometry, microscopy, and biodistribution-oriented research (project-dependent).

Imaging labels can include fluorophores, near-infrared (NIR) dyes, radiolabel-compatible chelators/handles, or dual-label combinations. Bio-Synthesis designs conjugation routes around the peptide sequence, label chemistry, and intended workflow, using site-defined attachment whenever feasible to minimize heterogeneity and improve reproducibility.

Peptide-fluorescent Labeling Near-infrared Radiolabel-compatible Chelator Dual-label imaging 45+ Years of Expertise U.S. Facilities – Texas
peptide_imaging_conjugates_overview with fluorescent Peptide, Chelator Labeled Peptide, Peptide infrared Labeling

Figure: Representative peptide labeling using fluorescent labels, chelators or dual labeled peptides.

Peptide Imaging Conjugate Categories

Expand each category to view representative labels, typical applications, and practical design notes. All examples are research-stage imaging conjugates; feasibility is project-dependent.

Fluorophore-labeled peptides enable fluorescent detection and quantitative analysis in cells and assays. Labels are selected based on excitation/emission requirements and compatibility with your platform.

Representative dyes Typical applications Notes
FITC / fluorescein Microscopy, plate assays, binding studies Simple labeling; pH sensitivity and photobleaching considered
TAMRA, rhodamine dyes Internalization studies, imaging readouts Often higher photostability vs fluorescein
Cy3 / Cy5, Alexa Fluor®-type dyes Flow cytometry, multicolor imaging Chosen by spectral windows and assay matrix
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Near-infrared dyes are often selected to reduce autofluorescence background and support deeper penetration in model systems. Selection depends on your instrument, detection windows, and sample type (project-dependent).

Representative NIR dyes Typical applications Notes
Cy7, IRDye® 800 (platform-dependent) In vivo model imaging, biodistribution-style studies Lower background; handle/linker planning helps maintain signal
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Radiolabel-compatible peptide conjugates incorporate metal-chelating ligands (chelators) that enable downstream coordination of radiometals for imaging or tracer studies. Bio-Synthesis provides non-radioactive chelator–peptide conjugates (chelator-enabled peptide precursors); we do not perform radiolabeling or handle radioactive materials. Feasibility and final chelator selection are project-dependent.

We support a broad range of chelator chemistries—including macrocyclic and related multidentate ligands—selected based on coordination requirements, charge profile, and downstream labeling conditions. Site-defined attachment (N-/C-terminus, single-Cys, or handle-enabled options) is used when feasible to improve reproducibility and preserve peptide function.

Chelator class Representative chelators we can incorporate Typical applications Notes
Macrocyclic chelators (cyclen / cyclam families) DOTA, DO2A, DO3A, DOTP, TETA Radiometal-chelation ready peptide constructs; tracer-development workflows (project-dependent) Often selected for high stability; substituent pattern can tune charge and handling
Triazacyclononane (TACN) derivatives TACN, NOTA (and user-specified NOTA-like variants) Radiometal coordination-ready peptide conjugates for imaging workflows (project-dependent) Smaller macrocycle; selection depends on downstream radiometal and conditions
Custom / user-specified chelators Client-provided or literature-specified chelators Specialized chelation workflows and feasibility studies We evaluate reactivity/compatibility and recommend an attachment handle and spacer if needed

Tip: If you are comparing chelators, share your intended downstream radiometal and labeling conditions—we can propose a compatible chelator handle and a site-defined peptide attachment strategy (project-dependent).

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Dual-label designs combine two labels (or a label plus an affinity/targeting element) to support multiplexed or correlative workflows. Architectures are planned to reduce steric interference and maintain peptide performance (project-dependent).

Format Typical applications Notes
Fluorophore + targeting ligand Localization, uptake, and receptor engagement studies Site-defined attachment used to preserve binding function
Fluorophore + affinity tag (e.g., biotin) Imaging plus capture/pull-down workflows Spacing/linker chosen to reduce steric effects
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FAQ

How do you choose between visible fluorophores and near-infrared dyes?

Visible dyes are commonly used for microscopy and in vitro assays, while near-infrared labels may be selected for reduced background and deeper penetration in model systems. Selection depends on instrumentation and study design (project-dependent).

Can you make dual-label imaging conjugates?

Yes. Dual-label designs may combine a fluorophore with a targeting ligand or affinity tag for multiplexed workflows. Architectures are planned to minimize steric interference and maintain peptide function (project-dependent).

What attachment sites are used for peptide imaging conjugation?

Common options include N-terminus, C-terminus, a single engineered cysteine, or handle-enabled chemistry. Site-defined attachment helps preserve peptide activity and improves reproducibility (project-dependent).

What analytical confirmation is typical for peptide imaging conjugates?

Fit-for-purpose confirmation commonly includes chromatographic purity assessment (HPLC/UPLC) and mass confirmation (LC-MS when feasible), aligned to label properties and project requirements (project-dependent).

Do you provide radiolabeled peptides?

Bio-Synthesis does not perform radiolabeling or handle radioactive materials. We provide non-radioactive chelator–peptide conjugates designed to be compatible with downstream radiolabeling workflows (project-dependent).

What chelators can be attached to peptides?

We can incorporate representative macrocyclic chelators and related ligands such as DOTA, DO2A, DO3A, DOTP, TACN, NOTA, and TETA, as well as client-specified chelators. Final selection depends on peptide sequence, attachment site, and downstream workflow (project-dependent).

Are peptide–fluorophore conjugates the same as peptide imaging conjugates?

Fluorophore-labeled peptides are a subset of peptide imaging conjugates. “Imaging” can also include near-infrared dyes, radiolabel-compatible chelators, and dual-label designs (project-dependent).

What does “radiolabel-compatible” mean?

Radiolabel-compatible peptide conjugates incorporate chelators or handles (e.g., DOTA/NOTA) intended for downstream radiolabeling workflows in research and tracer-development studies (project-dependent).

Request a Quote

What to provide
  • Peptide sequence and preferred attachment site (if known)
  • Imaging label type (fluorophore, NIR dye, chelator/handle, dual-label)
  • Spacer/linker preference (if any)
  • Target quantity, purity target, and intended workflow

Share your design details and timeline. Our scientists will recommend a feasible conjugation strategy and appropriate analytical characterization.

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Recommended reading

  • General principles for peptide/protein bioconjugation and site-selective modification (useful for imaging label attachment). Nature Reviews Chemistry (2019). External link
  • Fluorescent probes and labeling concepts in biological imaging (background on dye selection and photophysics). Nature Methods (journal resource). External link
  • Chelator-based labeling concepts and radiometal coordination chemistry (background for DOTA/NOTA-type constructs). Chemical Reviews (journal resource). External link
  • Near-infrared fluorescence imaging concepts and dye considerations (general background). ScienceDirect: Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (journal resource). External link

Links are provided for reference; access may depend on institutional subscriptions.

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