Texas Red Filter: Role and Application
Texas Red filters can effectively isolate specific wavelengths of light in fluorescence microscopes, allowing researchers to observe minute details in biological samples.
Texas Red filters not only improve the clarity and contrast of images, but also greatly The earth promotes the in-depth development of biological research. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the role of Texas Red filters and their widespread use in scientific research.
What is Texas Red Filter
Texas Red is a commonly used fluorescent dye that emits red light and is commonly used in biological and medical research to label and observe cell structure and function.
This filter allows specific wavelengths of light to pass through, ensuring that the fluorescence signal observed under the microscope is clear and precise.
Common fluorescent dyes for Texas Red filters usually include Alexa Fluor 568, and Alexa Fluor 594. These dyes are widely used in cell imaging and molecular labeling, providing visible fluorescent signals.
Texas Red Filter Advantages
Texas Red filters are mainly used in fluorescence microscopes and have the following advantages:
High fluorescence efficiency. Texas Red is a bright fluorophore, which means it emits a strong signal when excited by light, which makes it easier to detect low-abundance targets in a sample.
Low photobleaching rate. Relatively stable under a microscope and more resistant to photobleaching (fading due to light exposure) than some other dyes. This property is critical for long-term imaging or when multiple scans are required.
Unique emission spectrum. Texas Red has an emission peak at approximately 615 nm, in the red portion of the spectrum. This unique emission makes it easier to distinguish from other fluorophores that may emit in the green or blue spectrum, thus facilitating multicolor labeling using different dyes simultaneously.
Reduce autofluorescence. The longer wavelength of Texas Red reduces the background fluorescence of the sample itself, which is typically more apparent at shorter wavelengths. This produces a clearer, more specific image.
These properties make Texas Red a valuable tool in a variety of biological and medical research areas, especially in applications involving multiple fluorescent probes, where its properties help to accurately identify and differentiate specific components in complex biological systems.
Texas Red Filter Wavelength
Optolong’s 30026 Single bandTexas Red filters are single-band filter sets designed specifically for fluorescence microscopy imaging applications. It consists of an exciter with a wavelength of 560 nm, an emitter of 630 nm, and a dichroic mirror of 585 nm.
Texas Red Filter Specifications
The specifications of Texas Red filter are as follows:
| Specification | Detail |
| Filter Type | 30026 Single band filter set TexasRed |
| Coating Type | Hard Coating |
| Excitation (Exciter) | 560 nm |
| Emission (Emitter) | 630 nm |
| Dichroic Mirror (Edge Wavelength) | 585 nm |
| Transmission | >85% |
| Central Blocking | OD>5 |
| Cutoff Blocking | OD>3 |
| Blocking Band | 200-1100 nm (primary), 300-1100 nm (secondary) |
| Angle of Incidence | 0°±5°, 45°±1° |
| Reflection | R>98% |
Role and Application of Texas Red Filter
Texas Red filters are primarily used in fluorescence microscopy and are specifically designed to detect Texas Red dye, a common fluorophore used in biological and medical research. The filter enables precise imaging by isolating specific wavelengths emitted by the dye.
It enhances the visualization of cellular and molecular structures and facilitates detailed observation and analysis. Applications include studying cell biology, diagnosing disease, and performing detailed bioassays where high contrast and specificity are required to obtain accurate results.
- Fluorescence Microscopy: Optimized for detection of Texas Red dye, enhancing image clarity and specificity in cellular and molecular visualization.
- Biological research: Promote the study of cell structure and function and help understand biological processes.
- Medical Diagnostics: Used in diagnostic tests that require precise imaging of stained tissue or cells to improve the accuracy of identifying pathological conditions.
- Scientific Assays: Essential in assays involving fluorescence to measure various biological or chemical reactions.
How to Choose Texas Red Filter
Selecting the appropriate Texas Red filter for fluorescence microscopy requires consideration of several key factors to ensure optimal imaging and accurate results.
Filter Set Compatibility
Make sure that the filter set (excitation filter, dichroic mirror, and emission filter) is compatible not only with Texas Red, but also with any other fluorophores used in the experiment. This is especially important in multicolor imaging to prevent color bleeding between channels.
Quality and Brand
Choose a reputable manufacturer such as Optolong Optical, which provides high-quality filters and offers customization services. Custom or high-quality filters provide better transmission, sharper cutoff, and more accurate fluorescence collection, resulting in clearer, more reliable images.
Fluorescence Microscope Compatibility
Check that the filter set you choose is suitable for your specific fluorescence microscope model and that it can be seamlessly integrated into the existing light path without causing alignment issues.
Application Specific Needs
Consider the specific needs of your application. For example, if you are doing long-term live cell imaging, choose filters with high durability and low photobleaching properties.
To choose a suitable Texas Red filter for your application, you should fully consider the above conditions to purchase a suitable and high-quality filter.
Conclusion
The Texas Red filter can effectively screen out specific fluorescence signals, allowing researchers to observe and analyze cells and tissues labeled with Texas Red or similar fluorescent dyes.
Help scientists distinguish and identify specific cellular components and genetic material in complex biological samples, thus promoting the research development of cell biology and molecular biology.
Optolong Optics provides various types of optical filters including dichroic mirrors, beam splitters, etc. and supports customization. You can contact us through this link to get the specific filters you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TRITC Texas Red?
No, TRITC and Texas Red are two different fluorescent dyes. Although they both emit red fluorescence, their chemical structures and optical properties differ. TRITC generally has higher photostability and fewer photobleaching issues, while Texas Red provides a brighter signal and better resolution.
Related reading: What is Dichroic Mirror?