“…In comparison with other imaging analytical methods, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is widely applied in the study of biosystems because of its distinct merits such as low cost, high sensitivity, and noninvasive. − Especially, small molecule probes based on organic dyes, with lower toxicity and easy metabolism, have become robust tools for the observation of various bioanalytes. − Up to now, diverse small molecule fluorescent probes have been prepared to detect pH, ROS, enzymes, etc. in tumor cells. − Nevertheless, the majority of reported probes were at risk of diffusion owing to the lack of in situ labeling capability, leading to spurious signals, and were not appropriate for tracking in the long term. Moreover, they could also result in signal deficiencies in bioimaging, thus giving unreliable measurements.…”