Recent advances in two-photon absorbing probes based on a functionalized dipolar naphthalene platform

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Materials Science

Background:

• Two-photon microscopy (TPM) utilizes near-infrared excitation for deep-tissue imaging.
• Non-linear optics in TPM allows 3D fluorescence imaging with minimal photodamage and photobleaching.
• Fluorophore structure significantly influences two-photon absorption properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in two-photon absorbing probes.
• Focus on functionalized electron donor-acceptor type dipolar naphthalene platforms (FDNP).
• Provide context for developing novel naphthalene-based two-photon probes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies published between 2015 and 2019.
• Systematic outline of synthesis strategies for FDNP probes.
• Analysis of photophysical properties and imaging applications.

Main Results:

• Recent progress in FDNP synthesis and characterization.
• Demonstrated utility of FDNP probes in various two-photon imaging applications.
• Established structure-property relationships for naphthalene-based two-photon absorbers.

Conclusions:

• FDNP probes represent a promising class of materials for advanced biomedical imaging.
• Further development of naphthalene backbone-based probes is encouraged.
• These probes offer enhanced performance for deep-tissue visualization.