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Fluorescent Lipids & Probes

Illuminate your research with Avanti Research's™ high-purity fluorescent lipids & probes.

Our line of fluorescent lipids and fluorescent probes here at Avanti Research™ is made to help researchers illuminate the complex processes of bioimaging and membrane biology with unmatched consistency and purity. Just like our non-labeled lipids, each fluorescent product is synthesized to the highest standards so that you can trust its performance across a broad range of applications, including membrane dynamics, lipid trafficking, drug delivery research, and fluorescence microscopy.

Our fluorescent lipid portfolio includes phospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, glycerolipids, and more, labeled with moieties such as:

Each fluorophore brings unique photophysical properties suited for specific experimental needs. Below is a summary of their utility and references that support their use.

NBD-labeled lipids.

Nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) is one of the most widely used fluorophores for tracking lipids. Its strong fluorescence and versatile utility make it a staple in studies involving lipid uptake, membrane trafficking, and live-cell imaging. For example, NBD-PE offers excellent performance in both in vitro and in vivo systems, with typical excitation/emission maxima around 465/535 nm, which is perfect for standard fluorescence setups.

DPH-labeled lipids.

If you're investigating the physical properties of membranes, DPH-labeled lipids are your go-to. The 1,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) probe embeds itself deep within lipid bilayers, making it ideal for fluorescence anisotropy assays that assess lipid tail order, hydration dynamics, and electrostatic membrane characteristics.

Pyrenedecanoyl-labeled lipids.

Designed for dynamic membrane studies, pyrenedecanoyl-labeled lipids are excellent tools for detecting membrane fusion and lipid transfer events by being incorporated into phospholipids and glycerophospholipids. The pyrene label forms excimers that emit at approximately 470 nm in a concentration-dependent manner, giving researchers a quantitative way to monitor lipid mixing and trafficking in real time.

Cyanine 5 (Cy5) labeled lipids.

Cyanine 5 (Cy5) is a workhorse in fluorescence-based assays. With exceptional brightness and resistance to environmental quenching, Cy5-labeled lipids are used in FRET assays, PCR-based detection, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and more. Its polymethine chain enables cis-trans isomerization, which provides sensitivity and tunability in complex experimental conditions.

SquareFluor™ (Squaraine) probes.

Built on a squaraine dye backbone, SquareFluor™ offers superior photostability and a bold absorption profile, making it ideal for demanding imaging environments. Whether you're performing photodynamic therapy, bioimaging, or trace analyte detection, these probes stand out with their functional group flexibility and high quantum efficiency.

TopFluor™-labeled lipids.

When minimal lipid disruption is a priority, TopFluor™ is the label of choice. Its BODIPY-based structure delivers bright green fluorescence while preserving the native behavior of the lipid. Researchers often turn to TopFluor™ for studying lipid diffusion, cellular localization, and membrane fluidity, especially when accuracy matters most.

From high-performance photostability to subtle membrane integration, our fluorescent lipids are engineered to give you the clearest insight into biological complexity. Browse our full collection of fluorescent lipids today and bring your imaging to life with the tools trusted by the top labs around the world.

1. Haldar S., Chattopadhyay A. (2012) Application of NBD-Labeled Lipids in Membrane and Cell Biology. In: Mély Y., Duportail G. (eds) Fluorescent Methods to Study Biological Membranes. Springer Series on Fluorescence (Methods and Applications), vol 13. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/4243_2012_43
2. Monti J.A., Christian, S.T., Shaw, W.A. (1978) Synthesis and properties of a highly fluorescent derivative of phosphatidylethanolamine. J. Lip. Res. 19:222-228.Chetan Poojari, Natalia Wilkosz, Rafael B. Lira, Rumiana Dimova, Piotr Jurkiewicz, Rafał Petka, Mariusz Kepczynski, Tomasz Róg, Behavior of the DPH fluorescence probe in membranes perturbed by drugs, Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, Volume 223, 2019, 04784, ISSN 0009-3084, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2019.104784.
3. Molecular Probes Handbook: A guide to fluorescent probes and labeling technologies (11th ed.) Chapter 13: Probes for Lipids and Membranes.
4. Kretschy N., Sack M., Somoza, M. (2016) Sequence-Dependent Fluorescence of Cy3- and Cy5-Labeled Double-Stranded DNA. Bioconjug. Chem. 27:840-848
5. Shirey, C. M., Ward, K. E., & Stahelin, R. V. (2016). Investigation of the biophysical properties of a fluorescently modified ceramide-1-phosphate. Chemistry and physics of lipids, 200, 32–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chem...