Long Wavelength Voltage Sensitive Dyes

Patent Status

Brief Description

Rapid changes in the membrane potential of neurons and cardiomyocytes define the unique physiology of these cells. The classical means to monitor membrane potentials is patch clamp electrophysiology, a low-throughput and highly invasive technique. One current alternative is to use calcium imaging, as the agents are robust and sensitive, come in a variety of colors, and can be used in a wide range of biological contexts. Calcium imaging, however, allows only an imperfect approximation of membrane potential changes, and fast-spiking neuronal events are difficult to resolve.

Fluorescent voltage sensors can achieve fast, sensitive, and non-disruptive direct readouts of membrane potentials. UC Berkeley researchers have designed and synthesized a new fluorophore called ‘Berkeley Red’ that can be used in the context of voltage-sensing scaffolds to generate fluorescent voltage sensors. 

Suggested uses

• Optically track action potentials in neurons
• Screen drug interactions and complications with heart ion channels 

Advantages

• Can be interfaced with a wide variety of optical tools
• Can be used in a wide range of biological contexts
• High spatial resolution, high throughput, minimally invasive
• Excellent photostability