Enzyme-Instructed Aggregation/Dispersion of Fluorophores for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging In Vivo

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is a noninvasive, highly sensitive, and high-resolution modality with great potential for in vivo imaging. Compared with Always-On probes, activatable NIR fluorescent probes with Turn-Off/On or Ratiometric fluorescent signals at target sites exhibit better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), wherein enzymes are one of the ideal triggers for probe activation, which play vital roles in a variety of biological processes. In this review, we provide an overview of enzyme-activatable NIR fluorescent probes and concentrate on the design strategies and sensing mechanisms. We focus on the aggregation/dispersion state of fluorophores after the interaction of probes and enzymes and finally discuss the current challenges and provide some perspective ideas for the construction of enzyme-activatable NIR fluorescent probes.

Automated summary

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is a promising imaging technique that is noninvasive, highly sensitive, and high-resolution. Enzymes are ideal triggers for activating NIR fluorescent probes, which have better signal-to-noise ratio compared to Always-On probes. This review provides an overview of enzyme-activatable NIR fluorescent probes, focusing on design strategies, sensing mechanisms, and current challenges in construction.