Scientists Develop ‘Stick and Glue’ Method for Unprecedented Molecular Labeling Stability
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A groundbreaking new technique developed by researchers at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) promises to revolutionize how scientists track molecules within living cells. The method, dubbed “Stick and glue,” offers significantly improved precision and stability in fluorescent labeling, overcoming limitations of existing approaches and opening new avenues for research in biology, chemistry, and medicine.
A key challenge in studying cellular processes is visualizing and tracking individual molecules. Fluorescent labeling – attaching glowing tags to proteins and peptides – allows scientists to pinpoint a molecule’s location and monitor its behavior over time. However, current methods ofen suffer from instability, with labels detaching or binding to unintended sites, potentially disrupting the molecule’s function.
“In our work, we applied a highly precise peptide-labeling approach that uses a two-step chemical reaction triggered by light,” explains a lead researcher on the project. “this allows us to create exceptionally stable fluorescently labeled molecules.” The findings were published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition in July 2025.
Two-Step Process ensures Permanent Bond
The “Stick and Glue” method combines the strengths of previous strategies, focusing on both precision and molecular stability. The process unfolds in two distinct stages. Initially, the fluorescent dye attaches to the target molecule at a carefully defined location. Subsequently, exposure to light activates a chemical reaction that permanently “glues” the label in place, transforming a temporary connection into a robust, covalent bond.
Lucie Šálková, the study’s first author and a PhD student, illustrates the concept with a relatable analogy: “Imagine someone dancing with a glow stick. If the stick isn’t activated, you can’t see it and they disappear into the crowd – they might even drop it. But once they snap it and fasten it to their wrist, they won’t loose it, and you can easily spot where they are. Our method works similarly. First, we attach the fluorescent dye, and only after illuminating it with light do we stabilize it – we glue it to the target molecule. From than on, the molecule can be tracked easily without the dye falling off. Unlike other methods, our glow sticks don’t end up scattered on the floor at the end of the night.”
Broad Applications Across Scientific Disciplines
This innovative labeling method is remarkably versatile, suitable for attaching fluorescent dyes to both small molecules and large proteins.The resulting highly stable labels enable scientists to monitor the movement of biomolecules within cells and analyze their interactions with the surrounding surroundings.
The technology has the potential to significantly advance research across a wide spectrum of scientific fields. It could prove invaluable in biology for understanding complex cellular processes.
Why: Scientists needed a more stable and precise method for fluorescent labeling to accurately track molecules within living cells, as existing methods suffered from label detachment and unintended binding.
Who: Researchers at the Institute of Organic chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB prague) developed the “Stick and Glue” method. Lucie Šálková was the study’s first author.
What: the “Stick and Glue” method is a two-step fluorescent labeling technique that uses light to activate a chemical reaction, permanently bonding the fluorescent dye to the target molecule. This creates a highly
