Luminescent probes for the bioimaging of small anionic species in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

The ability to spatiotemporally identify the formation of specific anionic species, or track changes in their concentration inside living systems, is of critical importance in deciphering their exact biological roles and effects. The development of probes (also called bioimaging agents and intracellular sensors) to achieve this goal has become a rapidly growing branch of supramolecular chemistry. In this critical review the challenges specific to the task are identified and for a select range of small anions of environmental and biological relevance (fluoride, chloride, iodide, cyanide, pyrophosphate, bicarbonate, hydrosulphide, peroxynitrite, hypochlorite and hypobromite) a comprehensive overview of the currently available in vitro and in vivo probes is provided.

A novel visual and far-red fluorescent dual-channel probe for the rapid and sensitive detection of hypochlorite in aqueous solution and living cells

“…[14][15][16] For example, Sivaraman and Chellappa et al developed a series of fluorescent probes for imaging biologically important analytes in living systems. [17][18][19][20][21][22] Despite advances in the development of fluorescent probes for ClO -, most of available fluorescent probes possess short-wavelength excitation and emission spectra, which have potential difficulties in the bioimaging in vivo because of strong absorption and autofluorescence of biomolecules, and limited tissue penetration.…”

Tuning Mg(II) Selectivity: Comparative Analysis of the Photophysical Properties of Four Fluorescent Probes with an Alkynyl‐Naphthalene Fluorophore

“…[1] The application of fluorescent sensing is widespread, with avariety of fluorescent sensors providing detailed information on the roles of biologically active cations [2][3][4][5] and anions [6] in vitro and in cellulo.T he use of ratiometric probes is highly advantageous, as it allows quantitative informationt ob eo btained independent of environmental factors, such as uneven cell loading or photobleaching. [1] The application of fluorescent sensing is widespread, with avariety of fluorescent sensors providing detailed information on the roles of biologically active cations [2][3][4][5] and anions [6] in vitro and in cellulo.T he use of ratiometric probes is highly advantageous, as it allows quantitative informationt ob eo btained independent of environmental factors, such as uneven cell loading or photobleaching.…”

Anion-controlled dimer distance induced unique solid-state fluorescence of cyano substituted styrene pyridinium

“…Conjugated organic luminophors have wide applications in organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs)12345, smart materials678910 and sensors1112131415. Understanding the structure-property relationship is very important to guide the design of correct molecules for their providential applications1617181920212223.…”