Black hole quencher

Custom modifications have previously been developed whereby a non-fluorescent chromophore can be attached to the DNA sequence to provide a strong SE(R)RS signature which is indicative of the DNA sequence present. This has been done previously using DABCYL, phthalocyanines and black hole quenchers (BHQs) as well as specifically designed simple azo dyes which contain moieties to aid in their binding ability to metal surfaces such as the benzotriazole motif which has been shown to be very effective at complexing onto silver nanoparticles [12, 13, 40, 41]. 

Finally, there have been reports that deal with other forms of spectral detection. A platinum (Il)-coproporphyrin reagent has been evaluated for phosphorescent labelling of oligonucleotides. The presence of the label had little effect on conjugation, and labelled primers were effective in PCR reactions. A silicon nanoparticle conjugated to ODNs acted as a luminescent label, and a molecular beacon (see later) has been prepared which contains a photoluminescent dye (Ru(II)(bpy)3) and the luminescent quencher Black Hole Quencher-2 . ... 

Telomerase expression, specific to cancer cells, is responsible for their uncontrolled division [ 175]. Ju ef al. described an elegant platform for fluorescence imaging of telomerase activity in cancer cells, an approach amenable to evaluate both tumor load and response to treatment [176]. Fluorescein and black hole quencher were loaded in meso-porous silica nanoparticles, the pores were then sealed by a telomerase DNA template probe. Telomerase detection was achieved by telomerase-induced detachment of the probe for its amplification, followed by liberation of the fluorophore. Interestingly, this probe allowed intracellular quantitation of telomerase activity. Signal was decreased after treatment with telomerase inhibitors, suggesting its usefulness as a disease monitoring tool in vivo. 

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