"Minimal" means that only a small fraction of the overall protein is labeled to ensure single labeling, thereby avoiding the separation of multiply labeled proteins. This is in contrast with saturation labeling, which is based on different chemistry.
These dyes are in lyophilized form, which prolongs the shelf life of the products. Each tube contains the same quantity (5 nmol, 10 nmol, or 25 nmol) of reactive dyes (variation within 10%). For reconstitution of the dyes, labeling grade dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent should be used:
Cy2 fluor - 5 nmol (10-15 gels), 10 nmol (20-30 gels), or 25 nmol (40-60 gels)
Cy3 fluor - 5 nmol (10-15 gels), 10 nmol (20-30 gels), or 25 nmol (40-60 gels)
Cy5 fluor - 5 nmol (10-15 gels), 10 nmol (20-30 gels), or 25 nmol (40-60 gels)
DMF labeling grade solvent (1 mL)
We recommend using three dyes for proteomic studies (DIGE application): Cyanine3 and Cyanine5 for two samples, and Cyanine2 for a pooled internal control.