Synthesis of an Azo-Cyanine Dye as an RNA Probe for Distinguishing Gram-Positive Bacteria from Gram-Negative Bacteria

Abstract

AbstractWe have developed a new cyanine fluorescent probe, Azo-ETO3, that shows better RNA selectivity than commercial dyes in solution. Azo-ETO3 can image the RNA of mitochondria in living cells and the RNA of the nucleolus and cytoplasm in fixed cells. As a practical application, Azo-ETO3 emits strong fluorescence when interacting with Gram-positive bacteria, and it can be used to selectively label G+ bacteria in the presence of other bacteria. In addition, Azo-ETO3 exhibits low toxicity and has essentially no major impact on bacterial colony growth. These properties could make it useful as a tool for distinguishing bacterial species.