How do ANEP dyes work?

ANEP dyes are common fluorescent dyes that respond to electrical potential changes. They are ultra fast-responding, and can provide millisecond response time. ANEP dyes function by responding to electric changes in their environment. These dyes can essentially shift their excitation spectra according to MP in response to electrical changes in the microenvironment. When the surrounding electric field shifts, ANEP dyes will alter their electronic structure and exhibit consequently fluorescent properties. In addition to other studies, ANEP dyes have been documented for use in MP activity analysis for single neurons, cardiac cells, intact brains, and in studying bacteria.