BODIPY dyes are widely used as fluorescent tags for key sites in biomolecules. Typically, a new BODIPY is designed for each receptor target (sold for over $100 per mg) which in turn recognises the biomolecule receptor. We have designed a scheme whereby “clickable” azide or alkyne functional groups are appended to BODIPY. When paired up with the complementary alkyne or azide-functionalised receptor target, this will create modular BODIPY/receptor target combinations which can be tailored to particular receptors. An alternative approach is to develop amine-functionalised BODIPYs which could be appended to peptides or proteins via a cysteine residue.

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