Molecular Probes for Autofluorescence-Free Optical Imaging

• Published in: Chemical reviews Vol. 121; no. 21; pp. 13086 - 13131
• Main Authors: Jiang, Yuyan, Pu, Kanyi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 10.11.2021
• Subjects: Background noise; Biomedical materials; Biosensing Techniques; Biosensors; Excitation; Humans; Imaging; Luminescence; Molecular Imaging; Molecular Probes; Multiplexing; Optical Imaging; Penetration depth; Probes
• ISSN: 0009-2665; 1520-6890
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00506

Optical imaging is an indispensable tool in clinical diagnostics and fundamental biomedical research. Autofluorescence-free optical imaging, which eliminates real-time optical excitation to minimize background noise, enables clear visualization of biological architecture and physiopathological events deep within living subjects. Molecular probes especially developed for autofluorescence-free optical imaging have been proven to remarkably improve the imaging sensitivity, penetration depth, target specificity, and multiplexing capability. In this Review, we focus on the advancements of autofluorescence-free molecular probes through the lens of particular molecular or photophysical mechanisms that produce long-lasting luminescence after the cessation of light excitation. The versatile design strategies of these molecular probes are discussed along with a broad range of biological applications. Finally, challenges and perspectives are discussed to further advance the next-generation autofluorescence-free molecular probes for in vivo imaging and in vitro biosensors.