Molecular fluorescent sensors for in vivo imaging

Liam D Adair; Elizabeth J New

doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102973

Molecular fluorescent sensors for in vivo imaging

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2023 Oct:83:102973. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102973. Epub 2023 Aug 1.

Authors

Liam D Adair¹, Elizabeth J New²

Affiliations

¹ School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Electronic address: liam.adair@sydney.edu.au.
² School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Electronic address: elizabeth.new@sydney.edu.au.

PMID: 37531801
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102973

Abstract

Small-molecule fluorophores are powerful tools for biological research. They have enabled researchers to study cellular architecture and decipher biological processes. Responsive fluorescent sensors have enabled the study of a wide range of analytes and their effects on biological phenomena in situ. The application of fluorescent sensors to studies in living organisms is complicated by challenges such as biocompatibility, chemostability, photostability and sufficient penetration of light through living tissues. Translation to in vivo imaging is therefore not straightforward and requires innovative approaches. Recent advances in the design of fluorophores with improved photophysical properties and the development of long-wavelength-emitting fluorophore scaffolds that can be modularly functionalised with targeting and sensing groups have allowed the application of fluorogenic, ratiometric and reversible sensors in vivo.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Fluorescent Dyes*
Optical Imaging*

Substances

Fluorescent Dyes