Fluorescent Ion Indicators

Ion indicators are specialized compounds for the detection and quantification of specific ions in biological systems. Fluorescent ion sensors emit a fluorescent signal upon binding to the target ion, and may also undergo a conformational change that affects the fluorescence intensity or emission wavelength. The emitted fluorescent signal can be detected in real time using fluorescent microscopes or with techniques such as flow cytometry and TR-FRET.

Ion flux measurement provides insight into cellular processes such as ion channel function, synaptic transmission and intracellular signaling. Fluorescent ion indicators provide a reliable and sensitive means of detecting and quantifying specific ions in biological and chemical systems including cells, tissues and organoids. They can be used in neuroscience and electrophysiology research to uncover the mechanism of action of novel compounds, including their effects on ion channel activity.

Bio-Techne have a range of cell-permeable fluorescent ion indicators for the detection of heavy metal ions and a variety of other metal ions, including calcium, potassium, sodium and chloride. Our ion sensors are suitable for use in electrophysiology, neuroscience, ion channel and intracellular signaling research.