Fluorescent ruthenium chelates have been prepared and investigated for staining proteins separated by electrophoresis. Ruthenium II tris (bathophenanthroline disulfonate) appears to be suitable for detection of proteins, with sensitivities in the nanogram range, although sensitivity does not reach the level of optimized silver staining methods. This compound can be efficiently detected either with UV tables or with commercial laser fluorescence scanners. A further advantage of this detection method is its compatibility with mass spectrometry., These factors make this method a good compromise for proteomics studies.

• Ruthenium II tris (bathophenanthroline disulfonate), a powerful fluorescent stain for detection of proteins in gel with minimal interference in subsequent mass spectrometry analysis