Nanomaterial-based fluorescent probes for live-cell imaging

Nanomaterial-based fluorescent probes represent a significant approach to intracellular detection with high spatiotemporal resolution. We review the properties of various nanomaterials that can be used for intracellular nanosensors in terms of the sensor design and the approaches to delivery of nanosensors based on engineering their surfaces. We also review general strategies for these nanosensors based on the transduction mechanisms of the fluorescence signal. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.