A near-infrared fluorescent probe for monitoring tyrosinase activity

摘要

A new cyanine-based near-infrared fluorescent probe has been developed for monitoring tyrosinase activity.Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme that can catalyze the oxidation of tyramine or tyrosine to its respective catechol (e.g., from tyramine to dopamine), and then to quinone.1'2 The enzyme is considered to be a biomarker of melanoma cancer cells due to its elevated amounts in these cells.1'2 Thus, it would be useful to develop highly selective and sensitive methods for monitoring of tyrosinase activity for diagnostic purposes.