Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been
widely used
as a spectroscopic technique in various areas such as structural elucidation
of biological molecules and their interactions, in vitro assays, in
vivo monitoring in cellular research, nucleic acid analysis, signal
transduction, light harvesting, and metallic nanomaterials. Meanwhile,
based on the mechanism of FRET, a series of FRET nanomaterials systems
have been recently developed as novel chemical sensors and biosensors.
Compared with those based on small molecules traditional FRET systems,
the surface chemistry of nanomaterial has encouraged the development
of multiple probes based on linked recognition molecules such as peptides,
nucleic acids, or small-molecule ligands. This critical review highlights
the design and the applications of sensitive and selective ratiometric
nanoprobes based on FRET. We focus on the benefits and limitations
of nano-FRET systems and their applications as chemical sensors and
biosensors.
A specific ratiometric nanoprobe for hypochlorite was constructed as a paradigm of FRET spectral unmixing. The separation of FRET pairs' emissions reaches 175 nm, which ensures that the FRET probing is more accurate. This new nanoprobe shows high selectivity and potential in biological systems.
Born to dye: Five fluorescein analogues were synthesised (see scheme). One analogue was found to emit in the NIR region with a high quantum yield, excellent photostability and good permeability. Three derivatives were found to specifically stain mitochondria and one dye responds to thiols with a strong turn-on NIR fluorescence signal and colorimetric change, in vitro and in vivo.
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