Content of review 1, reviewed on August 14, 2024

In this manuscript, the authors present the development of a selective benzothiadiazole labeling protein tag, BenzoTag, derived from the HaloTag protein. While the HaloTag system is widely used, it has been limited by slow kinetics and restricted fluorophore compatibility, particularly with non-xanthene dyes. To address these limitations, the authors have developed a new fluorophore (ChemComm 2024, 60, 200-203) and systematically explored HaloTag variants generated through random mutagenesis. The most promising variant, which exhibits significantly faster labeling kinetics and enhanced fluorescence intensity, was identified through directed evolution. The evolution and characterization of these HaloTag variants are well-executed and clearly presented in this study. However, to further strengthen the manuscript, the authors should specify the number of experimental replicates (N) used in the statistical analyses presented in Figures 3, 4, and 5. Additionally, the subcellular compartment images in Figure 5 would benefit from improvement in clarity and detail. Including corresponding brightfield images alongside the fluorescent images would provide better context for subcellular localization and ensure accurate interpretation of the fluorescent signals relative to cellular structures. Once these points are addressed, the manuscript will be highly suitable for publication in this journal.

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