Fluorescent probes are molecules that emit light of a specific color (wavelength) when excited by light of a shorter wavelength. They are widely used in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and materials science, for detecting and imaging specific molecules or biological structures.
These probes can be organic dyes, quantum dots, fluorescent proteins, or other types of fluorophores. They are designed to bind selectively to a target molecule or structure, allowing researchers to visualize and study biological processes in real-time.
Fluorescent probes offer several advantages, including high sensitivity, rapid response, and the ability to be tailored for specific applications. They have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of cellular processes, biomolecular interactions, and disease mechanisms. Additionally, they are commonly used in medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and environmental monitoring.
Reviews:
(1) Liu X, Chang YT. Fluorescent probe strategy for live cell distinction. Chem Soc Rev. 2022 Mar 7;51(5):1573-1591. doi: 10.1039/d1cs00388g. PMID: 35136889.
(2) Wagh SB, Maslivetc VA, La Clair JJ, Kornienko A. Lessons in Organic Fluorescent Probe Discovery. Chembiochem. 2021 Nov 16;22(22):3109-3139. doi: 10.1002/cbic.202100171. Epub 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34062039; PMCID: PMC8595615.