Fluorescent labeling of Oleic Acid and/or Triglycerides

[Dr Engelbert Buxbaum]

Am 16.04.2007, 18:27 Uhr, schrieb Sharon Waldrop  
<Sharon.Waldrop from UTSouthwestern.edu>:

> I am looking for a procedure/protocol for labeling Oleic Acid and/or  
> Triglycerides. I do not want to use a kit (too expensive). I am looking  
> at the exocytosis utilizing TIRF microscopy and Nile Red is too bright  
> and stains the lipid bylayer. I can look at red and green florescence  
> with the TIRF microscope. Thank you for your help.

What precisely do you want: covalent modification of molecules to put into  
your assay or a dye that partitions into lipid membranes (or droplets)?

Fatty acids can be labeled at the carboxy-group or at double bonds (see  
the Molecular Probes catalogue at www.probes.com for detailed  
explanation}. You first decide on the chemistry you want to use (label)  
and then on the fluorescent dye (emission/excitation wavelengths,  
photostability etc).

Dyes that partition in membranes are also available, some are even  
reasonably specific for particular membranes like ER. Again the Molecualar  
Probes catalogue is your primary resource.