Calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 5, 6, 8) are "chalicelike" phenol-based macrocycles that are among the most fascinating and highly studied scaffolds in supramolecular chemistry. This stems from the functional and tunable diversity at both their upper and lower rims, their preorganized nonpolar cavities and preorganized ionbinding sites, and their well-defined conformations. Conjugation of calixarene scaffolds with various fluorogenic groups has led to the development of smart fluorescent probes that have been utilized as molecular sensors, in bioimaging, for drug and gene delivery, in self-assembly/aggregation, and as smart materials. The fine-tuning and incorporation of different ligating sites in the calix[4]arene scaffold have produced numerous molecular sensors for cations, anions, and biomolecules. Moreover, the aqueous solubility of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arenes has engendered their potential use in drug/gene delivery and enzymatic assays. In addition, because of their strong optical properties, fluorescent calix[4]arenes have been used to develop smart materials, including gels as well as nonlinear optical, organic light-emitting diode, and multiphoton materials. Finally, significant developments in the utility of fluorescent higher calixarenes have been made for bioapplications. This review critically summarizes the recent advances made in all of these different areas.

A high brightness red fluorescent probe (S-BODIPY) has been developed for the sensitive and specific imaging of HClO/ClO − in vitro and in vivo. This probe exhibits some distinctive features such as excellent resistance to photobleaching, a high fluorescence brightness, high selectivity, as well as a good biocompatibility. Upon oxidation of the thioether group into sulfoxide, the probe showed a noticeable ratiometric fluorescence response toward ClO − with fast response (within 30 s) and a low detection limit (59 nM). The probe demonstrated the successful imaging of exogenous and endogenous HClO/ClO − in living HeLa cells, zebrafish, and mice with high signal-to-noise ratios. S-BODIPY allows for the real-time monitoring the level of ClO − in living cells by ratiometric fluorescence imaging, opening up exciting prospects to develop red and even near-infrared BODIPYs with high brightness and good photostability for in vivo imaging.

In a retrospective analysis of patients with BD-IPMN followed for more than 5 years, we found most cysts to be indolent, but some rapidly grew and progressed. Surveillance protocols should therefore be individualized based on initial cyst size and rate of growth.

Theranostic nanoprobes (SYL NPs) prepared from a newly designed NIR-II fluorophore and FDA approved DSPE-mPEG5000 were well tolerated and exhibited multifunctional potential in diagnosis (photoacoustic & fluorescence imaging) and phototherapy in animal models.