What is the charge of atto 655?

Charge of Atto 655

Atto 655 is a fluorescent dye commonly used in various applications such as microscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy due to its high fluorescence intensity and photostability. The charge of Atto 655, like many other fluorescent dyes, is an important characteristic that influences its interaction with biological molecules and its overall solubility and stability in different solvents.

Atto 655 is a zwitterionic compound, meaning it possesses both positive and negative charges within the same molecule. However, the overall charge of Atto 655 at physiological pH (approximately 7.4) is typically negative. This is due to the presence of sulfonate groups that are negatively charged at this pH, outweighing any positive charges present on the molecule.

The charge of Atto 655 can influence its binding affinity to various biomolecules, which is crucial for applications that rely on specific interactions, such as antibody labeling or nucleic acid staining. The negative charge helps in preventing non-specific binding to positively charged surfaces or molecules, enhancing the specificity and efficiency of the staining or labeling process.

It is important to note that the charge of Atto 655, and its interaction with biological systems, can be influenced by the pH and ionic strength of the surrounding environment. Therefore, when using Atto 655 in experimental setups, careful consideration of these factors is essential to ensure optimal performance and results.