Water-soluble fluorescent polymeric dyes

Abstract

Water-soluble fluorescent polymeric dyes and polymeric tandem dyes are provided. The polymeric dyes include a water solvated light harvesting multi-chromophore having a conjugated segment of aryl and/or heteroaryl co-monomers. The molar ratio of the co-monomers can be adjusted to provide beneficial technical properties, such as increased water solubility and improved absorption and emission spectra. For instance, the conjugated segment can have a first co-monomer substituted with a water-soluble group (WSG) and a second co-monomer, wherein the first co-monomer is in an amount that is equal or greater than the amount of the second co-monomer, multi-chromophore. The polymeric tandem dyes further include a signaling chromophore covalently linked to the multi-chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith. Also provided are aggregation-resistant labeled specific binding members that include the subject water-soluble polymeric dyes. Methods of evaluating a sample for the presence of a target analyte and methods of labeling a target molecule in which the subject polymeric dyes find use are also provided. Systems and kits for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.