Sulforhodamine 101 (CAS 60311-02-6)

Sulforhodamine 101, identified by CAS number 60311-02-6, is a bright pink fluorescent dye known chemically as 2,5-Anilinomethylsulfonyl-3,6-dioxo-spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9′-[9H]xanthen]-3′-yl, commonly employed in scientific research for its specific optical properties. This dye is particularly valued for its intense and stable fluorescence when bound to biological tissues, which makes it an excellent tool for various imaging techniques. Sulforhodamine 101 exhibits a specific mechanism of action where it selectively binds to astrocytes in the nervous system, which are a type of glial cell in the brain and spinal cord. This selectivity is leveraged in neuroscience research to visualize astrocytic activity and morphology without affecting neuronal operations directly. Its robust photostability and bright red fluorescence under specific wavelengths allow for detailed, long-term imaging studies, particularly in live cell imaging where ongoing biological processes can be monitored with minimal phototoxicity. The dye is often conjugated to other molecules to study cellular interactions and molecular dynamics in live tissue or cultured cells. In research contexts, Sulforhodamine 101 has been instrumental in the development of advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques, such as two-photon excitation microscopy, which relies on the dye′s ability to emit light at longer wavelengths, penetrating deeper into biological samples and providing clearer images of internal structures. This has significantly contributed to our understanding of the spatial and functional architecture of the brain, marking its utility in non-clinical scientific explorations focused on the fundamental understanding of cellular and molecular systems.