variable – ION Biosciences https://ionbiosciences.com Fluorescent Ion Indicators | Assay Kits Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:14:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://ionbiosciences.com/wp-content/uploads/ION-Bio-100x100.png variable – ION Biosciences https://ionbiosciences.com 32 32 Brilliant Lithium Assay https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-lithium-assay/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-lithium-assay/#respond Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:49:41 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=35018 ION Biosciences' Brilliant Lithium Assay is a next-generation, fluorescence-based approach for high-throughput screening of NaV1.X channel modulators. The assay uses ION Lithium Green 1 AM (ILG-1 AM), a membrane-permeable, lithium-sensitive fluorescent dye that enables functional voltage-gated sodium channel measurements using lithium as a surrogate ion. Lithium readily permeates open NaV1.X channels while bypassing many endogenous sodium-handling mechanisms, resulting in a robust and selective readout of channel activity. Upon depolarization or pharmacological activation of NaV1.X channels, lithium accumulates intracellularly producing a rapid, quantifiable fluorescence increase that reflects real time channel activity.]]>

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1.X) are essential membrane proteins that initiate and propagate action potentials by mediating rapid sodium influx in response to membrane depolarization. They underlie key physiological processes including neuronal signaling (NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.6), cardiac conduction (NaV1.5), and pain sensation (NaV1.7–NaV1.9). Abnormal NaV1.X activity is implicated in disorders such as epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, and chronic pain, positioning these channels as high-value therapeutic targets. Conventional methods for assessing NaV1.X function such as patch-clamp electrophysiology and radiolabeled ion flux assays are often low-throughput, technically demanding, and reliant on specialized instrumentation. 

ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Lithium Assay overcomes these limitations with a next-generation, fluorescence-based approach for high-throughput screening of NaV1.X channel modulators. The assay uses ION Lithium Green 1 AM (ILG-1 AM), a membrane-permeable, lithium-sensitive fluorescent dye that enables functional NaV1.X channel measurements using lithium as a surrogate ion. Lithium readily permeates open NaV1.X channels while bypassing many endogenous sodium-handling mechanisms, resulting in a robust and selective readout of channel activity. Upon depolarization or pharmacological activation of NaV1.X channels, lithium accumulates intracellularly producing a rapid, quantifiable fluorescence increase that reflects real time channel activity.

Compared to our Brilliant Sodium 2 Assay, Brilliant Lithium delivers approximately a two-fold larger screening window, enhanced assay sensitivity, and a larger dynamic range. This improved performance supports reliable modulator identification in both 96- and 384-well high-throughput screening formats.

Data

Sodium channels act as the primary transport pathway for lithium into cells. Our Lithium-selective sensor, ILG-1 AM, can measure changes in intracellular lithium concentration associated with the activity of voltage-dependent sodium channels.

Brilliant Lithium supports hit finding with large signal amplitudes and the largest screening window of any sodium channel assay. A Nav1.8 inhibition assay reveals kinetic traces with fluorescence fold changes approaching 5X and 3X larger screening windows than Brilliant Sodium 2. 

Brilliant Lithium can be used to identify pore blockers and state-dependent inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels using either a dual addition or single addition protocol. Here is a dose response curve of suzetrigine for Nav1.8.

]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-lithium-assay/feed/ 0 ILG-1 AM https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ilg-1-am/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ilg-1-am/#respond Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:47:45 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=35020 ION Lithium Green 1 AM (ILG-1 AM), is a membrane-permeable, lithium-sensitive fluorescent indicator that enables solution- and cell-based lithium detection. ILG-1 is a high affinity and highly selective lithium sensor for fluorescence-based, lithium quantitation, with the largest fluorescence intensity enhancement upon binding to lithium. It can also be used for sodium channel drug discovery, as lithium readily permeates open NaV1.X channels resulting in a robust and selective readout of sodium channel activity.]]>

ION Lithium Green 1 AM (ILG-1 AM), is a membrane-permeable, lithium-sensitive fluorescent dye that enables solution- and cell-based lithium detection. Due to its high affinity and selectivity for lithium ions, ILG-1 enables rapid determination of lithium concentrations in a variety of samples compared to the other commercial lithium assays. 

As a key component in our Brilliant Lithium Assay, ILG-1 AM is also compatible with intracellular lithium detection and can be used for functional NaV1.X channel screening where lithium is a surrogate ion for sodium. Lithium readily permeates open NaV1.X channels while bypassing many endogenous sodium-handling mechanisms, resulting in a robust and selective readout of channel activity. Upon depolarization or pharmacological activation of NaV1.X channels, lithium accumulates intracellularly producing a rapid, quantifiable fluorescence increase that reflects real time channel activity.

Data

ILG-1 AM, in its active form, displays a robust fluorescence increase to lithium in solution (approximately 10-fold) with an approximate Kd of 422 µM.

ILG-1 AM, in its active form, displays high selectivity over other monovalent cations over comparable concentration ranges. 

ILG-1 AM, in its active form, displays high selectivity for lithium when compared to physiologically relevant monovalent and divalent cations. With respect to divalent cations, ILG-1 appears to bind manganese exclusively, albeit not as well as its preferred lithium ion. 

]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ilg-1-am/feed/ 0 Thallium-free hERG Potassium Channel Assay https://ionbiosciences.com/store/thallium-free-herg-potassium-channel-assay/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/thallium-free-herg-potassium-channel-assay/#respond Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:56:12 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=34260 IPG-1 AM, our lowest affinity potassium indicator to measure changes in intracellular potassium concentration. This kit is optimized for hERG screening (Kv11.1), and can be used to identify activators and inhibitors of hERG channels.]]>

To facilitate safer and physiologically relevant evaluation of hERG channel activity, ION Biosciences has developed a Thallium-Free hERG Potassium Channel Assay utilizing ION Potassium Green 1 AM (IPG-1 AM), a membrane-permeable, fluorescent dye sensitive to intracellular potassium levels. 

Upon membrane depolarization, hERG channels open and mediate potassium efflux, causing a decrease in intracellular potassium concentration. This drop in intracellular potassium levels is detected in real time as a reduction in IPG-1 fluorescence intensity, providing a direct measure of channel function.

This direct-readout eliminates the need for surrogate ions or radioactive tracers and enables robust, high-throughput screening to identify hERG modulators in 96- and 384-well formats. 

Series of graphics showing how the Thallium-free hERG Channel Assay works

The Thallium-Free hERG Potassium Channel Assay provides reliable EC50/IC50 values and is ideally suited for pharmacological profiling, cardiotoxicity safety screening, and therapeutic discovery for hERG channels. 

This kit has not yet been validated for use with additional voltage-gated potassium channels at this time. 

All data displayed was generated using our stable HEK293 hERG cell line. 

Identify inhibitors: Compounds that inhibit hERG activity, such as terfenadine, do not display a loss of fluorescence after treatment with a depolarizing stimulus solution to activate the channel.

Kinetic traces and corresponding concentration response curve showing hERG inhibition by terfenadine measured using the thallium-free hERG channel assay.

Large screening windows in inhibitor modes with Z’ > 0.9 to enable reliable inhibitor detection. 

Graphs showing kinetic traces of hERG expressing cells treated with or without terfenadine, and corresponding Z' calculation in a 384-well format.

Titrate stimulus solution for optimal screening windows: Adding different concentrations of  the depolarizing stimulus solution can result in more channel activity and greater potassium efflux.

Graphs showing kinetic traces of IPG-1 fluorescence in hERG expressing cells after treatment with various concentrations of a depolarizing stimulus solution.
]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/thallium-free-herg-potassium-channel-assay/feed/ 0 ION Thallos-HTL https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ion-thallos-htl/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ion-thallos-htl/#respond Fri, 11 Jul 2025 20:54:19 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=34228 A localizable thallium indicator that can be selectively targeted to individual cells or organelles using HaloTag® technology. ION Thallos-HTL is a ligand for the HaloTag® enzyme. It can be used to conduct cell-specific potassium channel assays in mixed cell populations, or to probe organellar ion channels in their native environment. Cells expressing HaloTag® are required when using ION Thallos-HTL.]]>
A localizable thallium indicator that can be selectively targeted to individual cells or organelles using HaloTag® technology. ION Thallos-HTL is a ligand for the HaloTag® enzyme. It can be used to conduct cell-specific potassium channel assays in mixed cell populations, or to probe organellar ion channels in their native environment. Cells expressing HaloTag® are required when using ION Thallos-HTL.
Sample images of cell-specific thallium flux assays using Halotag expression and ION Thallos-HTL
Sample images of nucleus targeted thallium dye using Halotag expression and ION Thallos-HTL
Sample assay of cell-selective thallium flux measurements on a high throughput screening instrument using ION Thallos-HTL
]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ion-thallos-htl/feed/ 0 Brilliant Sodium 2 Assay Kit https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-sodium-2-assay/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-sodium-2-assay/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 22:26:49 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=34085

Brilliant Sodium 2 Assay is a second-generation, fluorescence-based solution designed for high-throughput screening of voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV1.X) modulators. Activation of NaV1.X channels by membrane depolarization or direct stimulation causes a rapid influx of sodium ions, leading to a robust fluorescence increase. This change provides a sensitive and quantitative readout of NaV1.X channel activity and pharmacological modulation. 

Just like the original Brilliant Sodium Assay, this version directly measures sodium influx using ING-2 AM, a sodium-sensitive fluorescent indicator. Compared to the original version, Brilliant Sodium 2 has been reengineered to deliver:

  • Larger signal amplitudes
  • Expanded screening windows for more robust assay performance


This product is well-suited for determining EC50 or IC50 values of NaV1.X activators and inhibitors in 96- and 384-well formats for high throughput screening of voltage-gated sodium channels.

Data

Use dual addition protocols to identify inhibitors: Compounds that inhibit NaV1.3 and NaV1.5 activity, such as tetracaine, can be identified by following a dual-addition protocol.

Nav inhibitor screening results generated using Brilliant Sodium Assay 2. Kinetic traces and tetracaine dose response curves are displayed.
Expanded screening windows in activator and inhibitor modes compared to Brilliant Sodium in NaV1.3 and NaV1.5 assays.
]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-sodium-2-assay/feed/ 0 Thallium-free GIRK Potassium Channel Assay https://ionbiosciences.com/store/thallium-free-girk-potassium-channel-assay/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:09:38 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=34007 Thallium-free GIRK Potassium Channel Assay is the first fluorescence-based potassium channel solution that directly measures potassium flux, enabling you to move away from thallium-containing products. This product features the potassium-sensitive dye, IPG-1 AM, our lowest affinity potassium indicator to measure changes in intracellular potassium concentration. This kit is optimized for GIRK (Kir3.x) screening, and can be used to identify activators and inhibitors of GIRK channels.]]>

Traditional approaches for measuring GIRK activity such as patch clamp, FRET, or thallium flux assays can be labor-intensive, low-throughput, or reliant on toxic surrogate ions. To overcome these limitations, ION Biosciences built the Thallium-Free GIRK Potassium Channel Assay featuring ION Potassium Green-1 AM (IPG-1 AM), a membrane-permeable, potassium-sensitive, fluorescent indicator that directly measures potassium flux.

Upon binding of an agonist to Gi/o-coupled GPCRs or direct activation of GIRK channels, potassium ions flow through the channel and out of the cell, resulting in a measurable decrease in intracellular potassium concentration. This change in potassium concentration is detected in real-time by IPG-1 as a loss of fluorescence intensity. This direct-readout eliminates the need for surrogate ions or radioactive tracers and enables robust, high-throughput screening to identify GIRK modulators in 96- and 384-well formats. 

The Thallium-Free GIRK Potassium Channel Assay provides reliable EC50/IC50 values and is ideally suited for pharmacological profiling and discovery of therapeutic compounds targeting GIRK channels or GIRK channel-coupled pathways.

This kit has not been validated for use with additional potassium channel targets at this time.

GIRK potassium channel assay illustration

Data

All data displayed was generated using our stable HEK293 – huKir3.1/3.2 cell line. 

Identify activators: Compounds that increase GIRK activity, such as ML297, exhibit a concentration dependent loss of intracellular fluorescence, indicative of K+ efflux.

GIRK potassium channel assay to identify Kir3 inhibitors. Kinetic traces and dose response curves for SCH23390, a selective GIRK inhibitor.

Identify inhibitors: Compounds that inhibit GIRK activity, such as SCH23390, do not display a loss of fluorescence upon treatment with a potent activator such as ML297.

Large screening windows in activator and inhibitor modes with Z’ > 0.8 enable reliable hit-finding campaigns.

GIRK potassium channel assay displays high Z’ values for hit identification in activator and inhibitor screening modes
]]> Sodium-Dependent SLC Transporter Assay https://ionbiosciences.com/store/sodium-dependent-slc-transporter-assay/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/sodium-dependent-slc-transporter-assay/#respond Wed, 26 Mar 2025 19:01:20 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=33629 ION’s Sodium-dependent SLC Transporter Assay detects SLC transporter activity of SLCs that co-transport sodium, such as the SLC6 transporter family. This assay is ideal for hit finding and lead optimization applications in drug discovery, and can be used to discover substrates, potentiators, and inhibitors of sodium-dependent SLC transporters. Included buffers are not compatible with many sugar transporters, including SGLTs. If you'd like to evaluate sugar transporters Contact Us and we can provide custom buffer formulations for your target.]]>

ION Biosciences’ Sodium-dependent SLC Transporter Assay utilizes ION Natrium Green 2 (ING-2 AM), a sodium-sensitive fluorescent indicator, to detect solute carrier (SLC) transporter mediated sodium influx. This assay kit provides a highly-sensitive, robust, and high-throughput method to measure SLC transporter activity with benefits including:

  • Measures sodium, the native ion ensuring on target activity.

  • Can be used to identify substrates, potentiators and inhibitors of sodium-dependent SLC transporters.

  • Generates comparable EC50 and IC50 values to electrophysiology.

  • Compatible with electrogenic and electroneutral SLC transporters that cotransport sodium.


Optimized for high-throughput screening in 96- and 384-well formats, ION’s Sodium-dependent SLC Transporter Assay kit ensures reliability and reproducibility, making it ideal for hit finding and lead optimization applications. Backed by ION’s exceptional technical support, this kit simplifies your research workflow by providing ready-to-use buffers and simple protocols designed by the experts you’ve learned to trust.

Illustration of active sodium-depdendent SLC transporter showing sodium (Na⁺) flux and solute movement across the cell membrane, measured using ING-2 AM.

Data

Measure substrate uptake in real-time as demonstrated in kinetic traces of various GABA concentrations to GAT1 (SLC6A1) expressing cells.

Illustration of active sodium-depdendent SLC transporter showing sodium (Na⁺) flux and solute movement across the cell membrane, measured using ING-2 AM.

Validated uptake assays for multiple Sodium-dependent SLC transporters, including SLC6A1 and SLC6A9, among other targets.

GABA uptake assay in GAT1 (SLC6A1) expressing cells at varying GABA concentrations using ION’s Sodium-dependent SLC Transporter Assay
Glycine uptake assay in GLyT1 (SLC6A9) expressing cells at varying glycine concentrations using ION’s Sodium-dependent SLC Transporter Assay

The Sodium-dependent SLC assay can also be used to identify inhibitors of transporter function, as showcased in a 384-well assay for SLC6A9 (GlyT1), with IC50s comparable to reported literature values.

Real-time kinetic traces showing ALX 5407 activity in SLC6A9 (GlyT1) expressing cells across multiple concentrations
Glycine transporter inhibitor screen data showing a dose-response curve of ALX 5407 in SLC6A9 transporter cells.
High-throughput GABA transporter inhibition assay (SLC6A1) using NNC-711. Z-factor of 0.78 demonstrates assay robustness for SLC6A1 inhibitor hit identification.

Achieve exceptional Z’ whether you use AUC or Vmax analysis, ensuring this kit is ready for your next SLC hit-finding campaign.

]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/sodium-dependent-slc-transporter-assay/feed/ 0 ION Thallos Gold-HTL https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ion-thallos-gold-htl/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ion-thallos-gold-htl/#respond Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:28:45 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=33082 A localizable thallium indicator that can be selectively targeted to individual cells or organelles using HaloTag® technology. ION Thallos Gold-HTL is a ligand for the HaloTag® enzyme, and displays red-shifted excitation and emission relative to ION Thallos-HTL. It can be used to conduct cell-specific potassium channel assays in mixed cell populations, or to probe organellar ion channels in their native environment. Cells expressing HaloTag® are required when using this product. ]]>

Thallos Gold is a gold fluorescent, intracellular thallium (Tl+) indicator. Thallium indicators have been the gold standard for fluorescence-based potassium (K+) channel HTS for nearly 2 decades. ION Thallos Gold-HTL offers the opportunity to localize the indicator to individual cells within a mixed cell population or intracellular compartments using HaloTag® technology, without compromising its Tl+ sensitivity. Once ION Thallos Gold-HTL is loaded into cells expressing HaloTag® protein, the indicator covalently binds to the protein. Addition of stimulus solution will show ion flux within the cell type or intracellular compartment of interest.

Cells expressing HaloTag® are required when using this product.

High throughput screening assay of ION Thallos Gold-HTL treated cells displays only a signal increase in Halotag positive cells
Nuclear localization of ION Thallos Gold-HTL for organellar ion channel assays
luorescence images of ION Thallos Gold-HTL loaded cells. Cells expressing halotag are significantly brighter than wild-type cells.
]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ion-thallos-gold-htl/feed/ 0 BAPTA JF™549-HTL https://ionbiosciences.com/store/bapta-jf-549-htl/ Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:15:42 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=33023 BAPTA JF™549-HTL is a calcium indicator that also displays the Halotag ligand for cell-specific and organellar localization using Halotag technology. A Janelia Fluor® dye backbone provides excellent brightness and photostability, making it useful for measuring fast calcium dynamics in neurons and cardiomyocytes. This calcium indicator also outperforms red-shifted genetically encoded calcium sensors in sensitivity and fluorescence intensity.]]>

BAPTA JF549-HTL is a red fluorescent (Ex/Em = 546/569 nm), intracellular calcium indicator that displays a chloroalkane ligand for binding to Halotag. The Halotag ligand enables localization to specific cell phenotypes in mixed cell populations and intracellular organelles using Halotag technology. Designed with a Janelia Fluor® dye backbone, the calcium indicator displays excellent brightness and photostability for measuring fast calcium dynamics in neurons and cardiomyocytes. It also outperforms red-shifted genetically encoded calcium sensors in sensitivity and fluorescence intensity. The red-shifted fluorescence minimizes tissue autofluorescence, enables multicolor imaging, and permits the use of optogenetic tools for triggering calcium transients. Halotag expressing cells are required when using this dye.

*JF™ is a trademark owned by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Janelia Fluor® is a Registered Trademark of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Fluorescence images of BAPTA JF549-HTL loaded cells. Cells expressing halotag are significantly brighter than wild-type cells.
]]> BAPTA JF™549 https://ionbiosciences.com/store/bapta-jf-549/ Wed, 17 Jul 2024 02:29:14 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=32851

BAPTA JF549 is a red fluorescent (Ex/Em = 546/569 nm), intracellular calcium indicator. Designed with a Janelia Fluor® dye backbone, it displays excellent brightness and photostability for measuring fast calcium dynamics in neurons and cardiomyocytes. It also outperforms red-shifted genetically encoded calcium sensors in sensitivity and overall fluorescence intensity. The red-shifted fluorescence minimizes tissue autofluorescence and also enables multicolor imaging and the use of optogenetic tools for triggering calcium transients.

*JF™ is a trademark owned by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Janelia Fluor® is a Registered Trademark of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Imaging action potentials in neurons via calcium imaging with BAPTA JF549.
Data showing improved brightness and photostability of Janelia Fluor dyes compared to TMR.
Measuring optogenetically driven calcium transients in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes
]]> Gi/o GPCR-GIRK Thallium Flux Assay https://ionbiosciences.com/store/gi-o-gpcr-girk-thallium-flux-assay/ Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:38:00 +0000 i/o GPCR assay for discovering modulators through direct coupling to GIRK channels. Cell lines and thallium flux reagents are included.]]>

ION’s Gi/o GPCR-GIRK Thallium Flux Assay is a total assay solution for multi-well plate-based, high-throughput measurements of Gi/o GPCR agonism measured via native GIRK coupling. This kit provides most reagents needed, including a stable HEK293 cell line that expresses human Kir3.1 and Kir3.2, to conduct Gi/o GPCR HTS. A simple transduction step allows the flexibility to study a plethora of GPCRs that couple to GIRK using thallium flux.

Key Benefits:

  • Native coupling
  • Does not require artificial stimulation
  • Flexibility to insert any Gi/o GPCR
  • Discover additional hits
  • Uncover biased agonists
  • Explore complex pharmacology

GPCR-GIRK Thallium Flux Assay Principle.

Image of a cell membrane displaying a GIRK channel, or inward rectifying potassium channel
Image of a cell membrane displaying a Gi GPCR and GIRK channel, coupled through the alpha subunit
Image of a cell membrane displaying a Gi GPCR and GIRK channel, coupled through the alpha subunit
Gi GPCR GIRK Thallium flux assay principle, showing GPCR ligand binding activated GIRK channels, which enables thallium to go into the cell and increases fluorescence of Thallos

Data

Dose-response curves for four Gi GPCR, g-protein coupled receptors, (Dopamine D2, 5HT1A, M2, and Delta opioid) with EC50 values labeled, showing activation vs. ligand concentration.

Study any Gi/o GPCR

Insert any Gi/o GPCR of interests using transient or stable expression systems for rapid hit finding. Generate HTS results for your target within 24 hours. 

  • Rapid results
  • Ultimate flexibility
Two dose-response plots showing dopamine effects on dopamine D2 receptors. The left graph shows cAMP response with an EC50 of 5.5 µM. The right graph displays GPCR-GIRK assay results with an EC50 of 6.7 nM. Both graphs plot response intensity against log dopamine concentration.

cAMP versus Gi/o GPCR-GIRK Assay

As demonstrated in this dopamine (D2) receptor example, cAMP assays can be complicated by the combination of Gs and Gi GPCR receptor expression. HEK cells endogenously express multiple dopamine receptors, Our Gi/o GPCR-GIRK Thallium Flux Assay readout is specific to Gi GPCR signaling, enabling you to ignore the noise and hone in on your target of interest.

  • No artificial stimulation needed
  • Measure Gi receptor signalling only

cAMP versus Gi/o GPCR-GIRK Assay

Unlock better assay quality with Z’ out-matching cAMP assays. When studying Gi-coupled receptors which inhibit cAMP production, the high basal cAMP levels induced by forskolin can make it difficult to detect small decreases in cAMP caused by receptor activation.

  • Higher Z’
  • Larger signal amplitude
Gi GPCR assay data for Dopamine D2 receptor, including a kinetic trace and dose response curve
Gi GPCR high throughput screening data for Dopamine D2 receptor, including a kinetic trace and Z’ analysis for hit discovery.
Gi GPCR 96-well dose response curves for Dopamine D2 receptor, Serotonin receptor (5HT1A), muscarinic receptor (M2), and delta opioid receptor.
Gi GPCR 384-well dose response curves for Serotonin receptor (5HT1A), muscarinic receptor (M2), and delta opioid receptor.

Learn more

New to thallium flux assays, read our blog called How to analyze thallium flux assay data.

Interested in learning how ION’s Gi/o GPCR-GIRK Thallium Flux Assay can help you discover a brighter future?

Talk to us with us today for more information or to request a sample.
Book a meeting
]]> Brilliant Thallium https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-thallium-assay/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:20:00 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-thallium/

ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Thallium (Tl⁺) Assay is a total assay solution for multi-well plate-based, high-throughput measurements of Tl⁺ flux through K⁺, Na⁺, non-selective cation channels, and some Na⁺ or K⁺ transporters. The ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Thallium Assay is also useful for a wide range of effectors of ion channels and transporters including G protein-coupled receptors, lipid and protein kinase, for example. 

In multi-well, plate-based formats, the Brilliant Thallium Assay can be used to discover and characterize the effects of tens to many tens-of-thousands of compounds and environmental factors on effectors of Tl⁺ flux. Over the past 15 years, fluorescence-based measures of Tl⁺ flux have been widely utilized to discover small molecule modulators of a host of ion channels, transporters, GPCRS and other targets of interest for both drug discovery and basic research.

Our Flex kit provides all the necessary reagents in a format that maximizes flexibility for your assay design and optimization needs.

Our Express kit is custom tailored to customer’s needs, providing only the reagents you need in the amounts you need them. Less waste, higher reproducibility, and more convenience.

Data

How ION’s Brilliant Thallium Assay Outperforms the Competition

ION Biosciences Brilliant Thallium Assay excels in potassium channel assays, standing out among market leaders for its robust signal amplitude, high Z’, customizability, and cost-effectiveness.

Potassium channel assay dose response curve comparing Thallos AM to Fluxor made by ThermoFisher
Thallos AM outperforms ThermoFisher´s FluxOR dye in potassium channel assay
  • Higher Signal: 50% larger response
  • Better Z´: Clearly distinguish active from inactive compounds
  • Trusted by Industry: Validated by Large Pharmaceutical Company
Brilliant Thallium has a larger signal amplitude than FluxOR II Green
  • Greater sensitivity: Larger response means you can detect activity with confidence
  • Cost-Effective:Use less thallium per well, saving you more money for HTS campaigns
Potassium channel assay comparing Brilliant Thallium to Fluxor II Green made by ThermoFisher
Molecular Devices’ FLIPR Potassium Channel Assay compared to ION’s Brilliant Thallium Assay presented as a concentration response curve
FLIPR Potassium Channel assay (left) vs. Brilliant Thallium (right)
  • Assay Quality: Comparable Z´values ensure reliable hit identification
  • Comparable Potencies: IC50 values match Molecular Devices´kit across multiple compounds
  • Flexibility: Brilliant Thallium offers flexibility to run wash and no wash formats in the same box

Examples of ion channel and transporter assays

ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Thallium Assay is more than just a potassium channel solution. It can also be used to uncover modulators of voltage-gated sodium channels, transporters like KCC, non-selective cation channels, and Gi/o GPCRs.

Fluorescence profile of voltage gated sodium channel (Nav1.3) activation using veratridine with corresponding concentration response curve. Data acquired using a FLIPR-compatible Brilliant Thallium Assay kit
Fluorescence profile of voltage gated sodium channel (Nav1.3) inhibition using tetracaine with corresponding concentration response curve. Data acquired using a FLIPR-compatible Brilliant Thallium Assay kit
Brilliant thallium flux assay used for voltage-gated potassium channels. Data show fluorescence kinetic profiles and corresponding dose response curve of hERG channel inhibition.
Brilliant thallium flux assay used for voltage-gated potassium channels. Data show fluorescence kinetic profiles and corresponding dose response curve of KCNQ inhibition.
Brilliant thallium flux assay used for inward-rectifying potassium channels. Data show fluorescence kinetic profiles and corresponding dose response curve of GIRK activation.

Experience Superior Performance

ION’s Brilliant Thallium Assay isn’t just another option—it’s a superior solution for potassium channel assays and more. With Thallos AM at its core, our kit outperforms industry leaders like ThermoFisher and has key advantages against Molecular Devices too. Offering enhanced signal amplitude, greater sensitivity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, Brilliant Thallium is designed to deliver reliable, high-quality data for your research.

Learn more

First time using thallium flux assays to measure ion channel activity? Read our step-by-step guide for how to turn raw kinetic traces into informative dose response curves.

Have a GFP-expressing ion channel, check out Brilliant Thallium Gold, our Brilliant Thallium Assay packaged with Thallos Gold, a red-shifted thallium indicator for projects demanding something other than a green dye.

Interested in learning how ION’s Brilliant Thallium Assay can help you discover a brighter future?

Talk to us with us today for more information or to request a sample.
Book a meeting
]]> Brilliant Calcium https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-calcium-assay/ https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-calcium-assay/#respond Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:14:00 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=32082

 

ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Calcium (Ca²⁺) Assay is a total assay solution for multi-well plate-based, high-throughput measurements of dynamic changes in intracellular Ca²⁺. The ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Calcium Assay is useful for a wide range of effectors of intracellular Ca²⁺ including many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), divalent cation channels, and other proteins capable of transporting Ca²⁺ or affecting intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics. In multi-well, plate-based formats, the Brilliant Calcium Assay can be used to discover and characterize the effects of tens to many tens-of-thousands of compounds and environmental factors which can act to affect intracellular Ca²⁺ levels.

Our Express kit is custom tailored to customer’s needs, providing only the reagents you need in the amounts you need them. Less waste, higher reproducibility, and more convenience.

Images of Fluo-4 loaded HeLa cells before and after the addition of ionomycin, a calcium ionophore.
brilliant-calcium-slide
GPCR assay, purinergic receptor, kinetic fluorescence profile of calcium mobilization upon stimulation with ATP
]]> https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-calcium-assay/feed/ 0 Fluo-4 AM Ultrapure (>98%) https://ionbiosciences.com/store/fluo-4-am-ultrapure/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:05 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26728

Fluo-4 AM is the most popular green fluorescent, intracellular calcium indicator, and now it’s available at the highest purity grade (>98%) as Fluo-4 AM Ultrapure. Proven and trusted for decades to measure intracellular calcium flux in high throughput screening and fluorescence microscopy applications.

Fluo-4 AM calcium indicator features banner

GPCR assay, purinergic receptor, kinetic fluorescence profile of calcium mobilization upon stimulation with ATP
Fluorescence images of Fluo-4 stained cells before and after the addition of ionomycin
Fluo-4 am purity comparison between ION's ultrapure grade and competitors

Fluorescence images of Fluo-4 AM stained cells before (-) and after (+) the addition of ionomycin, a calcium ionophore. Cellular fluorescence increases because of the influx of calcium.

]]> Brilliant Thallium Gold Snapshot https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-thallium-gold-snapshot-assay/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:05 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26727
ION Biosciences Brilliant Thallium Gold Snapshot Assay is a total assay solution for multi-well plate-based, high-throughput measurements of Tl+ flux through K+, Na+, non-selective cation channels, and some Na+ or K+ transporters. Our patent-pending Snapshot assay format generates a long-lasting signal so you can easily detect and quantify changes in ion channel or transporter activity on most fluorescence-capable instruments. So whether you have a FLIPR, a fluorescence microscope, a standard fluorescence plate reader, a high-content imager, or a flow cytometer – you can run functional screens on viable cells using thallium flux – enabling a whole new world of possibilities.

Snapshot Assay Principle.

Drawing that shows thallos and thallium ion loading into cells, yielding bright fluorescence
Drawing that shows thallium efflux driven by the activation of a potassium channel, resulting in a lower thallos fluorescence
Kinetic fluorescence and image data demonstrating that brilliant thallium snapshot can enable potassium channel assays on plate readers and microscopes.
hERG inhibition assay, voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv11.1) activity assay, sample data acquired using brilliant thallium gold snapshot
Brilliant Thallium Gold Snapshot simultaneously loads cells with Tl+ and Thallos Gold AM, ION’s Tl+-sensitive indicator, prior to adding an agonist/antagonist. The addition of an effector compound causes a change in fluorescence, due to Tl+ efflux or influx, that is sustained for up to 1 hr, depending on your target of interest. Brilliant Thallium Gold Snapshot has effectively identified agonists and/or antagonists of voltage-gated K+ (hERG) and Na+ (NaV) channels, inward rectifying K+ channels (GIRK1/2), and K+ and Na+ transporters (Na+/K+-ATPase) using a variety of instruments.
]]> ING-1 AM https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ing-1-am/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:05 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26726

ION Natrium Green – 1 (ING-1) AM is a membrane permeable, yellow-green fluorescent, intracellular sodium (Na) indicator. Formerly known as Asante Natrium Green – 1 (ANG-1). ING-1 AM has improved cellular loading and significantly higher brightness than SBFI. Compatible with GFC and YFP filters.

ING-1 (ION natrium green-1) banner describing that it is a low affinity sodium indicator

excitation and emission spectra of ING-1 (ION natrium green-1), a sodium indicator
Fluorescence of ING-1 (ion natrium green-1), a sodium indicator, increases with sodium concentration.
Concentration response curve of ouabain, an inhibitor of the sodium/potassium-pump, shows increasing ING-1 fluorescence at higher concentrations
ING-1_Monovalent_Divalent-v2
]]> Thallos Gold AM https://ionbiosciences.com/store/thallos-gold-am/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:05 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26725

Thallos Gold is a gold fluorescent (Ex/Em = 528/552 nm) intracellular thallium (Tl+) indicator. Thallos Gold delivers outstanding results for fluorescence-based potassium (K+) channel HTS and for a wide variety of monovalent cation (sodium – Na+) channels, transporters, and GPCRs. Red-shifted excitation and emission enable multiplexing with GFP-expressing cells or other green fluorescent indicators and minimizes interference from auto-fluorescent compounds.

Red-shifted excitation and emission spectra of thallos gold, a thallium indicator used for potassium channel assays, alongside an image of thallos gold loaded cells.
Thallos gold and thallos, two thallium indicators, have comparable performance with respect to thallium binding and in a potassium channel activity assay.
Data demonstrating that ION's Brilliant thallium gold assay is less perturbed by green fluorescent compounds than thallos.
Thallos-Gold_Monovalent_Divalent-v2

Thallos Gold indicator (Ex/Em: 530/546 nm), is responsive to intracellular Tl+ dynamics. Thallos Gold’s spectral properties allow for multiplexing with GFP-expressing cells or other green-fluorescent indicators, and will help mitigate false positives caused by auto-fluorescent compounds within a library

]]> Brilliant Calcium Gold https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-calcium-gold-assay/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:05 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26724

ION Biosciences Brilliant Calcium Gold Assay is a total assay solution for multi-well plate-based, high-throughput measurements of changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ mediated through a wide-variety of plasma membrane and intracellular calcium channels and transporters. The kit includes our Fluo-Gold dye (Ex/Em: 524/552 nm), which is responsive to intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics. Fluo-Gold’s spectral properties enables multiplexing with GFP-expressing cells or other green-fluorescent indicators, and will help mitigate false positives caused by auto-fluorescent compounds within a library. ION Biosciences Brilliant Calcium Gold Assay is also useful for investigating numerous effectors of ion channels and transporters including G protein-coupled receptors, lipid kinases and protein kinases.

Excitation and emission spectra of a red-shifted calcium indicator assay kit with fluorescence images showing response of fluo gold to calcium influx
Sample data showing multiplexing with GFP cells using Brilliant Calcium Gold outperforms fluo-4 in a GPCR assay.
]]> IPG-4 AM https://ionbiosciences.com/store/ipg-4-am/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:01 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/product/ipg-4-am-2/

ION Potassium Green – 4 (IPG-4) is a yellow-green fluorescent, potassium (K⁺) indicator with Ex/Em: 525 nm/545 nm and a high-selectivity for potassium over other monovalent cations. IPG-4 has the highest affinity (Kd = 7 mM) among IPG analogues – IPG-2 (Kd = 18 mM) and IPG-1 (Kd = 50 mM), and is useful for measuring changes in intracellular or extracellular potassium concentrations.

IPG-4, a potassium indicator, fluorescence spectra
GIRK channel (Kir3.1/3.2) activator dose response curve comparison with data acquired using IPG-4 AM on a plate reader and microscope. Inset shows a dose response curve generated using thallium flux.
Fluorescence data of IPG-4 potassium indicator response to potassium.
Image analysis of IPG-4 assay used to identify activators of a GIRK potassium channel.
Fluorescence profiles and images of cells loaded with IPG-4 in the presence or absence of probenecid demonstrating IPG-4 is not a Pgp substrate, and can be used to conduct probenecid-free potassium channel assays.
IPG-4_Monovalent_Divalent
]]> Fluo-Gold AM https://ionbiosciences.com/store/fluo-gold-am/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:00 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26704

Fluo-Gold is a gold fluorescent (Ex/Em = 528/548 nm), intracellular calcium indicator. Designed to measure intracellular Ca²⁺ flux in high throughput screening and fluorescence microscopy applications. Fluo-Gold’s red-shifted excitation and emission enable multiplexing with GFP-expressing cells or other green fluorescent indicators and minimizes interference from green-fluorescent compounds.

A red-shifted calcium indicator as shown in excitation and emission spectra and representative fluorescence images in a calcium mobilization assay
Fluo-gold, a gold fluorescent calcium indicator, outperforms fluo-4 when using GFP-expressing cells. Overlaid fluorescence images of GFP and fluo-gold are shown.
]]> Brilliant Thallium Gold https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-thallium-gold-assay/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:27:00 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26703

ON Biosciences Brilliant Thallium Gold Assay kit is a total assay solution for multi-well plate-based, high-throughput measurements of Tl+ flux through K+, Na+, non-selective cation channels, and some Na+ or K+ transporters. The kit includes our proprietary Thallos Gold indicator (Ex/Em: 530/546 nm), which is responsive to intracellular Tl+ dynamics. Thallos Gold’s spectral properties allow for multiplexing with GFP-expressing cells or other green-fluorescent indicators, and will help mitigate false positives caused by auto-fluorescent compounds within a library. The ION Biosciences Brilliant Thallium Gold Assay is also useful for a wide range of effectors of ion channels and transporters including G protein-coupled receptors, lipid kinases and protein kinases.

Red-shifted excitation and emission spectra of thallos gold alongside an image of thallos gold loaded cells.
Thallos gold and thallos have comparable performance with respect to thallium binding and in an inward-rectifying potassium channel assay.
Data demonstrating that ION's Brilliant thallium gold assay is less perturbed by green fluorescent compounds than thallos.
hERG assay inhibition data demonstrated using ION's Brilliant thallium gold assay for voltage-gated potassium channels.

In multi-well, plate-based formats, the Brilliant Thallium Gold Assay can be used to discover and characterize the effects of many tens-of-thousands of compounds and environmental factors on effectors of Tl+ flux. ION Brilliant Thallium Gold Flex provides all the reagents necessary for use as a washed or no-wash assay with adherent or non-adherent cells. The optional use of a probenecid solution and an extracellular background masking solution offers the ultimate in compatibility for cells types which are difficult to load with fluorescent Tl+ indicators (e.g. Chinese Hamster Ovary, CHO cells) and when performing assays in complete, serum-containing cell culture medium is desired.

]]> Brilliant Thallium Snapshot https://ionbiosciences.com/store/brilliant-thallium-snapshot-assay/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:26:59 +0000 https://ionbiosciences.com/?post_type=product&p=26702

Our patent-pending Snapshot assay format generates a long-lasting signal so you can easily detect and quantify changes in ion channel or transporter activity on most fluorescence-capable instruments. So whether you have a FLIPR, a fluorescence microscope, a standard fluorescence plate reader, a high-content imager, or a flow cytometer – you can run functional screens on viable cells using thallium flux – enabling a whole new world of possibilities.

Snapshot Assay Principle.

Drawing that shows thallos and thallium ion loading into cells, yielding bright fluorescence
Drawing that shows thallium efflux driven by the activation of a potassium channel, resulting in a lower thallos fluorescence
Using Brilliant Thallium Snapshot in a high-throughput assay with a plate reader or fluorescence microscope enables discovery of potassium channel activators in an endpoint assay.
Fluorescence kinetic profiles of GIRK channel activation using Brilliant Thallium Snapshot. A stable change in fluorescence is generated for up to 40 minutes, demonstrating endpoint compatibility.
High-content screening demonstration using Thallium Snapshot kit in a mixed co-culture of cells.

Brilliant Thallium Snapshot simultaneously loads cells with thallium and Thallos AM, ION’s Tl⁺-sensitive indicator, prior to adding an agonist/antagonist. The addition of an effector compound causes a change in fluorescence, due to Tl⁺ efflux or influx, that is sustained for up to 1 hr, depending on your target of interest. Brilliant Thallium Snapshot has effectively identified agonists and/or antagonists of voltage-gated potassium (hERG) and sodium (NaV) channels, inward rectifying potassium channels (GIRK1/2), and potassium and sodium transporters (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) using a variety of instruments.

ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Thallium (Tl⁺) Snapshot Assay is a total assay solution for multi-well plate-based, high-throughput measurements of Tl⁺ flux through K⁺, Na⁺, non-selective cation channels, and some Na⁺ or K⁺ transporters. The ION Biosciences’ Brilliant Thallium Snapshot Assay is also useful for a wide range of effectors of ion channels and transporters including G protein-coupled receptors. In multi-well, plate-based formats, the Brilliant Thallium Snapshot Assay can be used to discover and characterize the effects of tens to many tens-of-thousands of compounds and environmental factors on effectors of Tl⁺ flux. Over the past 15 years, fluorescence-based measures of Tl⁺ flux have brought about the discovery of small-molecule modulators of a host of ion channels, transporters, GPCRs, and other targets of interest for both drug discovery and basic research.

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