Preparation of Multifunctional Nanoprobes for Tumor-Targeted Fluorescent Imaging and Therapy

Nanoparticles are emerging as versatile nanoplatforms for the construction of multifunctional nanoprobes, which not only can deliver drugs into desired tumor regions but also are able to monitor the delivery, release and biodistribution of drugs in real time. In order to assist drug delivery, fluorescent imaging that can make the transportation viewable is often used. Then, various fluorescent nanoprobes that are composed of fluorescent or non-fluorescent nanocarrier, small-molecular fluorophore, drug, targeting ligand are developed and applied in biomedical applications. In this review paper, we will summarize chemical strategies for the construction of multifunctional nanoprobes and for controlled release of drugs. Then, recent examples on fluorescent nanoprobes, which are based on quantum dots, carbon nanodots, upconversion nanoparticles and other nanomaterials, and their applications in optical-guided drug delivery will be reviewed.