Fluorescent dyes expand immunology panels

Bio-Rad Laboratories has unveiled the first in a fresh series of fluorescent dyes designed specifically for spectral flow cytometry, giving immunologists greater freedom when building multicolour panels.

The launch begins with StarBright UltraViolet700 (SBUV700), a dye optimised for use with spectral instruments. Over the coming months, additional dyes will follow, all tailored to deliver distinctive spectral signatures and strong emission peaks that enhance multiplexing potential.

To support immunology workflows, Bio-Rad has conjugated the new dyes to highly validated antibodies against 46 relevant markers - including 13 that are newly available in the StarBright collection. These additions open opportunities for deeper immune profiling and the interrogation of complex cell populations.

StarBright dyes are known for their high brightness and narrow excitation/emission profiles, reducing spectral overlap while improving resolution. The new range maintains compatibility across instruments, from Bio-Rad’s ZE5 Cell Analyzer to most other flow cytometers and cell sorters, enabling seamless integration into both existing and exploratory panel designs.

Hilary Mavor, Marketing Director in Bio-Rad’s Life Science Group, commented: “Researchers want the ability to build larger, more sophisticated multicolour panels. By extending our StarBright portfolio, we’re equipping immunologists with tools that not only expand choice but also simplify the design of complex spectral panels.”

With more than 30 dyes now available, Bio-Rad continues to broaden its fluorescent dye offering, directly supporting immunology research at the single-cell level.

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