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Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Genetic Barcoding with Fluorescent Proteins for Multiplexed Applications

Genetic Barcoding with Fluorescent Proteins for Multiplexed Applications

Published on: April 14, 2015

Fluorescent proteins and genetically encoded biosensors.

Minji Wang¹, Yifan Da¹, Yang Tian¹

¹Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, No. 3663 Zhong Shan Road North, Shanghai, 200062, China.

Chemical Society Reviews

|February 1, 2023

Summary

Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors translate signals into light for visualizing biological processes. This review covers fluorescent protein history, biosensor design, and current sensor types for future innovations.

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Cellular Imaging

Background:

Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors are crucial for visualizing physiological processes in living systems.
Fluorescent proteins serve as the reporter module within these biosensors.
Understanding their history and design is key to advancing biosensor technology.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the historical development of fluorescent proteins based on their structural and spectral properties.
To discuss the principles and strategies involved in designing genetically encoded biosensors.
To provide an overview of currently utilized genetically encoded biosensor types and their applications.

Main Methods:

Literature review of fluorescent protein evolution and structural characteristics.
Analysis of design principles for genetically encoded biosensors.
Categorization and summary of major existing genetically encoded biosensor types.

Main Results:

Detailed historical overview of fluorescent proteins across their emission spectra.
Elucidation of key design considerations for effective genetically encoded biosensors.
Compilation of widely used biosensor types, highlighting their molecular targets and design.

Conclusions:

Fluorescent protein structural evolution underpins biosensor development.
Strategic design is essential for creating functional and specific genetically encoded biosensors.
This review offers a foundation for future advancements in fluorescent biosensor technology.