Ratiometric optical probes for biosensing

Abstract

Biosensing by optical probes is bringing about a revolution in our understanding of physiological and pathological states. Conventional optical probes for biosensing are prone to inaccurate detection results due to various analyte-independent factors that can lead to fluctuations in the absolute signal intensity. Ratiometric optical probes provide built-in self-calibration signal correction for more sensitive and reliable detection. Probes specifically developed for ratiometric optical detection have been shown to significantly improve the sensitivity and accuracy of biosensing. In this review, we focus on the advancements and sensing mechanism of ratiometric optical probes including photoacoustic (PA) probes, fluorescence (FL) probes, bioluminescence (BL) probes, chemiluminescence (CL) probes and afterglow probes. The versatile design strategies of these ratiometric optical probes are discussed along with a broad range of applications for biosensing such as sensing of pH, enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), glutathione (GSH), metal ions, gas molecules and hypoxia factors, as well as the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based ratiometric probes for immunoassay biosensing. Finally, challenges and perspectives are discussed.

Semiconducting polymer dots for multifunctional integrated nanomedicine carriers

“…The enhancement of material properties enables researchers to investigate life processes at a more microscopic level, detect subtle environmental changes, and visualize specific information [ 18 , [77] , [78] , [79] ]. Fluorescence imaging technology's potential is particularly evident in the properties and characteristics of luminous nanoparticles (NPs), including inherent brightness, stability, spectral coverage, and tissue penetration depth [ [80] , [81] , [82] ]. Furthermore, advancements in computer technology, software, interactive programming, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in image processing present new challenges and opportunities for optical imaging technology [ [83] , [84] , [85] , [86] ].…”

Engineering Nanoplatforms for Theranostics of Atherosclerotic Plaques

“…Furthermore, considering the pivotal role of ROS in exacerbating plaque progression, ROS-responsive ratiometric nanoprobe have recently emerged as a promising solution for precise identification and assessment of plaques, thereby enabling specific diagnosis of AS. [193][194][195][196] For example, a class of ratiometric semiconducting polymer nanoparticle (RSPN) was developed for noninvasive assessment of plaque rupture risk by quantifying oxidative stress through PA imaging, comprising a ROS-responsive molecule (ORM) and a ROS-insensitive semiconducting polymer molecule (OIM) (Figure 7E). [78] The enhanced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect facilitated the reaction between ORM and ROS, resulting in improved PA imaging signals at 690 nm for RSPN, while OIM served as the internal PA reference at 800 nm.…”

Activatable Probes for Ratiometric Imaging of Endogenous Biomarkers In Vivo

“…The core of image technique is the probe, which comprises molecular probes and nanoprobes. Molecular probes are crucial functional substances that can accurately answer biomedical questions through correlating imaging signals with molecular status or biological events in vivo , which is a prerequisite and core technology for realizing precise molecular imaging. − Nanoprobes are often made by adding specific molecular ligands to nanomaterials. , Additionally, certain nanoprobes can be made by fusing molecular probes with nanoparticles (NPs). , Therefore, both molecular and nanoprobes are referred to as probes in the following sections. Furthermore, the development of sensitive and efficient probes is essential for the advancement of imaging technology, in addition to advanced imaging equipment.…”