An object of the present invention is to provide a cancer cell inhibitory drug, particularly a cancer stem-cell inhibitory drug, or a cancer stem-cell detection probe. The present invention provides a cancer cell inhibitory drug comprising at least one compound represented by general formula (1) as an active ingredient

##STR00001##

The present invention describes methods of identifying, detecting, imaging, isolating and locating cancer cells in a subject. The method involves the use of near-infrared (NIR) organic carbocyanine dyes, particularly, near infrared heptamethine cyanine dyes and the detection of the fluorescence of these NIR dyes. The uptake of these dyes by cancer cells and not by normal cells, as well as their high intensity, among other things, allow for the detection of cancerous cells in a subject and facilitate their subsequent isolation. Further, detection of many tumor types and tumor cell populations under cell culture and in vivo conditions are described.

Provided is a fluorescent compound represented by the following [Chemical Formula 1] and a method for preparing the same:

##STR00001## wherein each of X, Y, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and n is the same as defined in the specification.

Compositions and methods of synthesizing near IR, closed chain, sulfo-cyanine dyes are provided.

The present invention relates to fluorescent dyes. The present invention provides a wide range of fluorescent dyes and kits containing the same, which are applicable for labeling a variety of biomolecules, cells and microorganisms. In one aspect, the invention provides a compound having a maximal fluorescence excitation wavelength, wherein the compound has a structure of Formula II: ##STR00001##
wherein Z.sup.− is a counterion, Y is a bridge unit permitting electron delocalization between F and Ψ, and F is a moiety having the structure: ##STR00002## The present invention also provides various methods of using the fluorescent dyes for research and development, forensic identification, environmental studies, diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of disease conditions.

Disclosed are a cyanine dye compound and a preparation method therefor, and a dual-function agent for photodynamic therapy and a preparation method therefor. The provided cyanine dye compound is connected to multiple markers, which improves the accuracy of combination of dye and tumor cells, effectively reduces the background value, and avoids excessive residues in the liver. The provided cyanine dye compound is conjugated with the photosensitizer at 2′″ position, so that tumor highly absorbs the conjugates.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting renal disease and for assessing the efficacy of dialysis treatment using imaging agents having desirable in vivo properties.

A compound having a high tumor accumulation rate, or a salt thereof, and a contrast agent for optical imaging are provided. A compound having at least one specific organic dye covalently bound to polyethylene glycol, or a salt thereof is provided.

A curable composition includes: a near infrared absorbing compound that includes a cation having an absorption in a near infrared range and an anion; a salt of an anion that is a component other than the near infrared absorbing compound and has a conjugate acid pKa of −8 or lower; and a curable compound.

A shrink film comprising a polyethylene-based film having a top surface, a bottom surface, and comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one layer of the polyethylene-based film comprises a low density polyethylene having a density of from 0.917 g/cc to 0.935 g/cc and melt index, I2, of from 0.1 g/10 min to 5 g/10 min, a linear low density polyethylene having a density of from 0.900 g/cc to 0.965 g/cc and melt index, I2, of from 0.05 g/10 min to 15 g/10 min, or combinations thereof, and optionally, a medium density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene, or combinations thereof, and a coating layer disposed on the top surface of the polyethylene-based film, wherein the coating layer comprises an adhesive and a near-infrared absorbent material.