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Updated: Nov 20, 2025

A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
Two-photon small-molecule fluorescence-based agents for sensing, imaging, and therapy within biological systems
Luling Wu1, Jihong Liu, Ping Li
1College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China. lw960@bath.ac.uk lip@sdnu.edu.cn tangb@sdnu.edu.cn t.d.james@bath.ac.uk.
This review covers advances in two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) probes for deep tissue imaging with minimal damage. We explore probe design, fluorophores, and applications including sensing and photodynamic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) offers deep tissue penetration and reduced photodamage.
- Small-molecule probes are crucial for advanced imaging and sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the design, construction, and application of TPEF-based small-molecule probes.
- To highlight the advantages and diverse uses of TPEF probes in biological and chemical contexts.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of underlying two-photon (TP) fluorophores, including hemicyanine.
- Exploration of probe design strategies, such as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Main Results:
- TPEF probes enable deep tissue penetration and minimize photodamage.
- Applications include detection and imaging of various analytes and cellular components.
- Examples of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using TP irradiation are presented.
Conclusions:
- TPEF-based small-molecule probes represent a significant advancement in bioimaging and sensing.
- Their versatility supports a wide range of applications from molecular detection to therapeutic interventions.

