Disclosed is a modular fluorescence sensor having the following general
formula: 1
Where Fl is a fluorophore, N is a nitrogen atom, B.sub.d1 and B.sub.d2 are
independently selected binding groups, Sp is an aliphatic spacer, and An
is an anchor group for attaching the sensor to solid substrates. n=1 or
2, m=1 or 2, x is an integer, and y=1 or 2. The binding groups are
capable of binding an analyte molecule to form a stable 1:1 complex. In a
preferred embodiment, the B.sub.d1 is R.sub.1--B(OH).sub.2 and B.sub.d2
is R.sub.2--B(OH).sub.2. R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are aliphatic or aromatic
functional groups selected independently from each other and B is a boron
atom. The present invention also provides methods of synthesizing a
modular fluorescence sensor and its use in labeling solid substrates.
