# Building Bridges to New Fluorophores

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2021 · $297,731

## Abstract

Imaging of cells and tissues using light beyond the visible range is advantageous because there
are few endogenous molecules capable of absorbing or emitting at these longer wavelengths. This
results in lower phototoxicity and higher signal-to-noise as there is less attenuation of the optical signal
and less interference from autofluorescence. Suitable fluorescent dyes in this wavelength region have
long been dominated by cyanines, a class of fluorophore that typically has low photostability and large
size. The development of smaller and more photostable dyes in this wavelength region is therefore
highly desirable. In this proposal, we will explore the scope of electron donors and the incorporation of
LUMO-lowering substitutions in different positions and dyes, with the goal of optimized compact near-IR
fluorophores, quenchers, and fluorogenic probes for a wide range of applications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10244960
- **Project number:** 5R01GM135474-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** STEPHEN C. MILLER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $297,731
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-19 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10244960

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10244960, Building Bridges to New Fluorophores (5R01GM135474-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10244960. Licensed CC0.

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