Alexa Fluor 488–Bovine Serum Albumin conjugate (AF488-BSA)

Alexa Fluor 488–Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) conjugate is a fluorescently labeled protein primarily used as a research tool to study fluid-phase endocytosis and vascular permeability [Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2024]. It consists of the bright, green-fluorescent Alexa Fluor 488 dye covalently attached to BSA, which serves as a stable macromolecular tracer [PMID: 15659511]. The Alexa Fluor 488 fluorophore is highly photostable and its fluorescence is largely independent of pH between 4 and 10, allowing for reliable tracking within acidic endosomal compartments [Molecular Probes, 2023]. In experimental models, this conjugate is used to visualize the uptake of solutes by cells and to assess the integrity of endothelial barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier [PMID: 21940457]. It is not a therapeutic target for drug intervention but rather a diagnostic and experimental reagent used to probe biological transport mechanisms [PubChem, 2024]. Researchers utilize it in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy to quantify cellular internalization rates. Its high extinction coefficient and quantum yield make it superior to older tracers like fluorescein-based conjugates.

Other names

Alexa Fluor 488-BSAAF488-BSAAlexa Fluor 488-labeled Bovine Serum AlbuminAlexa Fluor 488-conjugated Bovine Serum Albumin

Not applicable (Research reagent)