Fluorescent viability assay using cyclic-substituted unsymmetrical cyanine dyes

摘要: The invention relates to a method of analyzing the viability sample cells using an aqueous solution comprising two fluorescent dyes. Dye I has formula: ##STR1## where R2 is C1-6 alkyl; Z- biologically compatible counterion; X O; S; Se; or NR15, R15 H CR16 R17, R16 and which may be same different, are independently alkyl, carbons R17 taken in combination complete five six membered saturated ring; benzazolium optionally further substituted; n=0, 1, 2; Y --CR3 ═CR4 --; p m=0 such that p+m=1; R5 alkenyl, polyalkenyl, alkynyl polyalkynyl group; OMEGA; R3, R4, R6 R7, H; halogen; --OR8, --SR8, --(NR8 R9), R8 R9, alkyl groups having 1-6 carbons; 1-2 substituted unsubstituted alicyclic, heteroalicyclic, aromatic, heteroaromatic rings, containing 1-4 heteroatoms, wherein heteroatoms O, N, R9 --(CH2)2 --L--(CH2)2 -- L=--O--, --NR10 --, --CH2 single bond R10 group --OSO2 R19 perfluoroalkyl, aryl; --(CH2)v v=3 4, R7 form fused aromatic ring at least one R5, substituent on formed by OMEGA cyclic attached bond. Fluorescent II selectively stains either viable non-viable with detectable response different from I. stained illuminated suitable absorption wavelength, detected distinguish based response.