Fluorescent Microspheres

Fluorescent microspheres are a mainstay in diagnostics and life sciences research, finding use as fluorescent markers, assay substrates, and instrument standards. In order to meet the unique performance criteria required of microparticles in these different applications we stock an extensive inventory of fluorescent microspheres and offer custom dyeing services. See spectra for available fluorescent dyes.

Our highly-fluorescent europium (III) nanoparticles offer exceptional stability, in addition to well-functionalized carboxylated surfaces for the covalent attachment of ligand. Our Eu (III) nanoparticles have been used to develop highly sensitive assays (microplate, lateral flow) based on time-resolved (TRF) fluorescence and as particulate labels in chemiluminence assays. The beads are supplied as ~1% solids (w/v) aqueous suspensions. View excitation & emission spectra and Instrument Links for TRF strip test readers. See how we stack up against our competition in our Europium Chelate brochure.

Catalog Number Description Nominal Diameter Specification Range
FCEU001 Europium Chelate PS – COOH 0.10µm 0.090 – 0.110µm
FCEU002 Europium Chelate PS – COOH 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FCEU003 Europium Chelate PS – COOH 0.30µm 0.270 – 0.330µm

 

Catalog Number Description
21960 Europium Chelate COOH Sampler Pack (1mL of 0.10μm, 0.20μm, 0.30μm)

REFERENCES

  • Liang R-L, Xu X-P, Liu T-C, Zhou J-W, Wang X-G, Ren Z-Q, Hao F, Wu Y-S. (2015) Rapid and sensitive lateral flow immunoassay method for determining alpha fetoprotein in serum using europium (III) chelate microparticles-based lateral flow test strips. Anal Chim Acta; 891:277-283.
  • Soukka T, Paukkunen J, Härmä H, Lönnberg S, Lindroos H, Lövgren. (2001) Supersensitive time-resolved immunofluorometric assay of free prostate-specific antigen with nanoparticle label technology. Clin Chem; 47(4):(1269-1278
  • Xia X, Xu Y, Ke R, Zhang H, Zou M, Yang W, Li Q. (2013) A highly sensitive nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay for detection of chloramphenicol residue. Anal Bioanal Chem; 405(23):7541-4.
  • Yeo SJ, Bao DT, Seo GE, Bui CT, Kim DTH, Anh NTV, … Park H. (2017). Improvement of a rapid diagnostic application of monoclonal antibodies against avian influenza H7 subtype virus using Europium nanoparticles. Scientific Reports, 7, 7933.
  • Tuan Bao D, Kim DTH, Park H, Cuc BT, Ngoc NM, Linh NTP, … Yeo SJ. (2017) Rapid Detection of Avian Influenza Virus by Fluorescent Diagnostic Assay using an Epitope-Derived Peptide Theranostics Vol 7, Issue 7 1835-1846
  • Tang Y, Zhang H, Liu X, Trofimchuk E, Feng S, Ma T, …, Lu X. (2017) Advantage of Eu3+ -Doped Polystyrene Microspheres Compared with Colloidal Gold Used in Immunochromatographic Assays for the Detection of Melamine in Milk. J Food Sci. Mar;82(3):694-697 (200nm Eu chelate microspheres)
  • Do Thi Hoang Kim DT, Bao HP, & Nguyen Minh Ngoc, SJY. (2018). Development of a novel peptide aptamer-based immunoassay to detect Zika virus in serum and urine. Theranostics, 8(13), 3629.(FCEU001, 0.1µm Euroipium chelate COOH nanoparticles)
  • Yu, ST, Bui, CT, Nguyen, AV, Trinh, TTT, & Yeo, SJ. (2018) Clinical evaluation of rapid fluorescent diagnostic immunochromatographic test for influenza A virus (H1N1). Scientific reports, 8(1), 13468.(200nm Eu chelate nanoparticles coated with anti-influenza A nucleoprotein)

Our non-functionalized microspheres are suitable for coating via adsorption. See spectra for available fluorescent dyes. See TechNote 204, Adsorption to Microspheres, for a general adsorption protocol. Unless noted otherwise, fluorescent polymer microspheres are available as ~1% solids (w/v) aqueous suspensions in these standard volumes: 1mL, 5mL, 10mL, and 100mL.

*Please note: If you are NOT ordering via website, please specify a lot number if multiple lots are available.
Catalog Number Fluorescence Color Nominal Diameter Specification Range
FSDG001 Dragon Green 0.05µm 0.040 – 0.060µm
FSFR001 Flash Red 0.05µm 0.040 – 0.060µm
FSDG002 Dragon Green 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FSSY002 Suncoast Yellow 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FSFR002 Flash Red 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FSDG003 Dragon Green 0.50µm 0.470 – 0.530µm
FSPP003 Plum Purple 0.50µm 0.470 – 0.530µm
FSFR003 Flash Red 0.50µm 0.470 – 0.530µm
FSDG004 Dragon Green 1.00µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FSEG004 Envy Green 1.00µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FSPP004 Plum Purple 1.00µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FSFR004 Flash Red 1.00µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FSDG005 Dragon Green 2.00µm 1.80 – 2.20µm
FSPP005 Plum Purple 2.00µm 1.80 – 2.20µm
FSFR005 Flash Red 2.00µm 1.80 – 2.20µm
FSDG006 Dragon Green 4.00µm 3.80 – 4.20µm
FSEG006 Envy Green 4.00µm 3.80 – 4.20µm
FSFR006 Flash Red 4.00µm 3.80 – 4.20µm
FSDG007 Dragon Green 7.5µm 7.30 – 7.70µm
FSSY007 Suncoast Yellow 7.5µm 7.30 – 7.70µm
FSFR007 Flash Red 7.5µm 7.30 – 7.70µm
FSEG008 Envy Green 10.0µm 9.50 – 10.50µm
FSDG009 Dragon Green 15.00µm 14.5 – 15.50µm
FSDG011 Dragon Green >25.00µm >25.00µm

REFERENCES

  • Lee, M, Reece, P, Marchington, R, Metzger, N, Dholakia, K (2007) Construction and calibration of an optical trap on a fluorescence optical microscope. Nat. Protocols V.2 p3226-3238
  • Mattheyses, A, Simon, S, Rappoport, J (2010) Imaging with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy for the cell biologist J Cell Sci 123: 3621-3628
  • Sun, Z, Martinez-Lemus, L, Trache, A, Trzeciakowski, J, Davis, G, Pohl, U, Meininger,G (2005) Mechanical properties of the interaction between fibronectin and α5β1-integrin on vascular smooth muscle cells studied using atomic force microscopy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 289(6) H2526-H2535
  • Ogilvie, J, Beaurepaire, E, Alexandrou, A, Joffre, M, (2006) Fourier-transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy. Optics Letters, Optical Society of America, 31(4), p480-2.
  • Chen X, Wang J, Versluis M, de Jong N, Villanueva FS.(2013) Ultra-fast bright field and fluorescence imaging of the dynamics of micrometer-sized objects. Review of Scientific Instruments 84,063701
  • Yang Z, Rutherford B, McDonald R, & Houston JP. (2017) Development of far-red and ultraviolet digital frequency-domain flow cytometry systems. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 23(3), 59-63.(Flash Red & Glacial Blue microspheres to determine detection sensitivity in a Far-Red and UV modified instrument)

Biomolecules may be covalently immobilized to carboxyl-functionalized microspheres. A general coupling protocol is provided in TechNote 205, Covalent Coupling. Fluorescent carboxyl microspheres microspheres are available as ~1% solids (w/v) aqueous suspensions in these standard volumes: 1mL, 5mL, 10mL, and 100mL. See spectra for available fluorescent dyes. See also our Quantumplex™ kits for suspension array development.

*Please note: If you are NOT ordering via website, please specify a lot number if multiple lots are available.
Catalog Number Fluorescence Color Nominal Diameter Specification Range
FCDG001 Dragon Green 0.05µm 0.040 – 0.060µm
FCFR001 Flash Red 0.05µm 0.040 – 0.060µm
FCDG002 Dragon Green 0.10µm 0.090 – 0.110µm
FCDG003 Dragon Green 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FCSG003 Surf Green 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FCFR003 Flash Red 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FCGB003 Glacial Blue 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
FCDG004 Dragon Green 0.40µm 0.370 -0.430µm
FCFR004 Flash Red 0.40µm 0.370 -0.430µm
FCDG005 Dragon Green 0.50µm 0.470 – 0.530µm
FCFR005 Flash Red 0.50µm 0.470 – 0.530µm
FCDG006 Dragon Green 1.0µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FCEG006 Envy Green 1.0µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FCSY006 Suncoast Yellow 1.0µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FCGB006 Glacial Blue 1.0µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FCFR006 Flash Red 1.0µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
FCSY007 Suncoast Yellow 2.0µm 1.80 – 2.20µm
FCDG008 Dragon Green 5.0µm 4.80 – 5.20µm
FCEG008 Envy Green 5.0µm 4.80 – 5.20µm
FCGB008 Glacial Blue 5.0µm 4.80 – 5.20µm
FCFR008 Flash Red    5.0µm 4.80 – 5.20µm
FCDG009 Dragon Green 10.0µm 9.50 – 10.50µm
FCDG011 Dragon Green 15µm 14.50 – 15.50µm

REFERENCES

  • Adams EW, Ueberfeld J, Ratner DM, O’Keefe BR, Walt DR, Seeberger PH.(2003) Encoded fiber-optic microsphere arrays for probing protein-carbohydrate interactions.Angew Chem Int Ed Engl.10;42(43):5317-20. (Cat. 235, QuantumPlex Starfire Red 4.4µm COOH)
  • Shapiro, K, Mazet, JA, Schriewer, A, Wuertz, S, Fritz, H, Miller, WA, … & Conrad, PA. (2010) Detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts and surrogate microspheres in water using ultrafiltration and capsule filtration. Water Research, 44(3), 893-903. (10.35µm Dragon Green Carboxyl, 8.6µm Glacial Blue Carboxyl)
  • Pei X, Yin H, Lai T, Zhang J, Liu F, Xu X, Li N. (2017) Multiplexed Detection of Attomoles of Nucleic Acids Using Fluorescent Nanoparticle Counting Platform Anal. Chem.10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04551 (~200nm carboxylated Glacial Blue, Dragon Green & Envy Green beads)

Both Encapsulated (ME catalog codes) and Classical (MC catalog codes) superparamagnetic microspheres are synthesized using a process that results in the distribution of iron oxide crystals throughout the polymer matrix. For specific information on the use of fluorescent magnetic particles for cell labeling & tracking, see TSD 0748. The surfaces of Encapsulated magnetic microspheres are expected to be free of iron oxide, while the Classical version will have some exposed iron oxide. COMPEL microspheres (UMC catalog codes) are highly uniform and spherical. Fluorescent magnetic microspheres are available as ~1% solids (w/v) aqueous suspensions in these standard volumes: 1mL, 5mL, 10mL, and 100mL. See spectra for available fluorescent dyes.

*Please note: If you are NOT ordering via website, please specify a lot number if multiple lots are available.
Catalog Number Description Fluorescence Color Nominal Diameter Specification Range
MCDG001 Classical Magnetic Polymer-COOH Dragon Green 0.9µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
MCFR001 Classical Magnetic Polymer-COOH Flash Red 0.9µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
MEDG001 Encapsulated Magnetic Polymer-COOH Dragon Green .86µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
MEFR001 Encapsulated Magnetic Polymer-COOH Flash Red .86µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
MEDG002 Encapsulated Magnetic Polymer-COOH Dragon Green 1.63µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
MESY002 Encapsulated Magnetic Polymer-COOH Suncoast Yellow 1.63µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
MEGB002 Encapsulated Magnetic Polymer-COOH Glacial Blue 1.63µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
MEFR002 Encapsulated Magnetic Polymer-COOH Flash Red 1.63µm 0.50 – 2.00µm
UMGB001 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Glacial Blue 3µm 2.50 – 3.50µm
UMDG001 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Dragon Green 3µm 2.50 – 3.50µm
UMEG001 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Envy Green 3µm 2.50 – 3.50µm
UMFR001 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Flash Red 3µm 2.50 – 3.50µm
UMGB002 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Glacial Blue 6µm 5.50 – 6.50µm
UMDG002 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Dragon Green 6µm 5.50 – 6.50µm
UMFR002 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Flash Red 6µm 5.50 – 6.50µm
UMGB003 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Glacial Blue 8µm 7.50 – 8.50µm
UMDG003 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Dragon Green 8µm 7.50 – 8.50µm
UMFR003 COMPEL™ Magnetic COOH modified Flash Red 8µm 7.50 – 8.50µm

REFERENCES

  • Hinds, K, Hill, J, Shapiro, E, Laukkanen, M, Alfonso C. Silva, Combs,…Dunbar, C (2003) Highly efficient endosomal labeling of progenitor and stem cells with large magnetic particles allows magnetic resonance imaging of single cells. Blood Aug 102 (3) 867-872
  • Shapiro, E M, Skrtic, S, Koretsky, AP (2005) Sizing it up: Cellular MRI using micron-sized iron oxide particles. Magn. Reson. Med., 53: 329–338
  • Rohani, R, de Chickera, SN, Willert, C, Chen, Y, Dekaban, G, Foster, P (2011) In Vivo Cellular MRI of Dendritic Cell Migration Using Micrometer-Sized Iron Oxide (MPIO) Particles Mol Imaging Biol 13: 679
  • Slotkin,J, Cahill, K, Tharin, S, Shapiro, EM (2207) Cellular Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Nanometer and Micrometer Size Particles for Noninvasive Cell Localization Neurotherapeutics, V4,3,P428-433
  • Tarulli E, Chaudhuri JD, Gretka V, Hoyles A, Morshead CM, Stanisz GJ. (2013) Effectiveness of micron-sized superparamagnetic iron oxide particles as markers for detection of migration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in a stroke model. J Magn Reson Imaging.Jun;37(6):1409-18. (MCDG001, 0.9µm Dragon Green Magnetic Classical, 60% mag)

Our inventory includes a variety of streptavidin coated fluorescent microspheres supplied as ~1% solids (w/v) aqueous suspensions. Please select the catalog code link below or contact our Customer Service Department for specific availability. See spectra for available fluorescent dyes.

 

Catalog Number Coating / Fluorescence Color Nominal Diameter Specification Range
CFDG001 SA / Dragon Green 0.20µm 0.190 – 0.210µm
CFDG002 SA / Dragon Green 0.40µm 0.370 – 0.430µm
CFFR002 SA / Flash Red 0.40µm 0.370 – 0.430µm
CFDG003 SA / Dragon Green 0.50µm 0.470 – 0.530µm
CFDG004 SA / Dragon Green 1.00µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
CFFR004 SA / Flash Red 1.00µm 0.95 – 1.05µm
Our StarLight™ Calibration Slides feature vibrant ~6µm fluorescent microspheres dyed with a single fluorophore for basic imaging checks and calibration. Our four standard versions are appropriate for use with common microscope filter sets: Glacial Blue (360, 450), Dragon Green (480, 520), Envy Green (525, 565), and Flash Red (660, 690). The calibration slides are available individually or as the full 4-slide collection. See fluorophore spectra here.
Catalog Number Description
SL1GB StarLight™ Calibration Slide – Glacial Blue
SL1DG StarLight™ Calibration Slide – Dragon Green
SL1EG StarLight™ Calibration Slide – Envy Green
SL1FR StarLight™ Calibration Slide – Flash Red
SL04K StarLight™ Collection – Slide 4 -Pack

The Dragon Green Intensity Standard is a kit consisting of five individual populations of ~8µm polystyrene-based microspheres dyed with increasing amounts of the Dragon Green fluorophore. Each population is supplied at ~1.5 x 107 beads /mL in a 1mL bottle. Dragon Green is an excellent spectral surrogate for fluorescein, and is suitable for use with fluorescein filter sets. View excitation and emission spectra.

Catalog Number Description
DG06M Dragon Green Intensity Standard (5 Intensities)

The Flash Red Intensity Standard is a kit consisting of five individual populations of ~8µm polystyrene-based microspheres dyed with increasing amounts of the Flash Red fluorophore. Each population is supplied at ~1.5 x 107 beads /mL in a 1mL bottle. As Flash Red is spectrally similar to Cy™5, traditional red fluorophore filter sets (e.g. Cy™5/microscope, PE-Cy™5 or APC/cytometer) may be used with this standard. View excitation and emission spectra.

Catalog Number Description
FR06M Flash Red Intensity Standard (5 Intensities)

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