Abstract:
Squaraine dyes are incorporated into a separation medium in which protein or polypeptide mixtures are separated, which medium also contains a deterge nt that forms a complex with the polypeptides or proteins. The dyes, upon ex citation in the separation medium, exhibit a heretofore unrecognized selecti vity in their fluorescent emissions by emitting a signal only when the dye m olecules are associated with complexes of protein (or polypeptide) and deter gent molecules, despite the additional presence of dyes in the bulk of the s eparation medium. The dyes are thus able to indicate the presence and locati ons of proteins or polypeptides in the separation medium without the need fo r removing unassociated dyes from the medium.