Progress and Perspective of Solid-State Organic Fluorophores for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Fluorescent organic dyes are crucial for biomedical imaging tools.
• Solid-state organic fluorophores (SSOFs) have seen increased development over the past two decades.
• Recent research focuses on SSOFs for optical contrast agents and phototherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide insights for developing advanced SSOF tools for biomedical applications.
• To address limitations hindering practical application, including aqueous dispersibility, biocompatibility, and emission control.
• To guide researchers in overcoming current challenges in SSOF development.

Main Methods:

• Described photophysical properties and fluorescence mechanisms of conventional, aggregation-induced emissive, and precipitating SSOFs.
• Highlighted recent advancements in functionalized SSOFs for bioimaging, biosensing, and theranostics.
• Elucidated prospects and limitations of current SSOF-based tools in biomedical contexts.

Main Results:

• Conventional, AIE, and precipitating SSOFs possess distinct properties relevant to biomedical use.
• Functionalized SSOFs demonstrate potential in bioimaging, biosensing, and theranostics.
• Key limitations such as poor aqueous dispersibility, low biocompatibility, and uncontrolled emission were identified.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming SSOF limitations is crucial for their successful translation into clinical biomedical applications.
• Further research into functionalized SSOFs holds significant promise for advanced biomedical tools.
• This perspective offers a roadmap for future SSOF development in biomedicine.