Advances in Organic Fluorescent Probes for Intracellular Zn²⁺ Detection and Bioimaging

Zinc ions (Zn²⁺) play a key role in maintaining and regulating protein structures and functions. To better understand the intracellular Zn²⁺ homeostasis and signaling role, various fluorescent sensors have been developed that allow the monitoring of Zn²⁺ concentrations and bioimaging in live cells in real time. This review highlights the recent development of organic fluorescent probes for the detection and imaging of intracellular Zn²⁺, including the design and construction of the probes, fluorescent response mechanisms, and their applications to intracellular Zn²⁺ detection and imaging on-site. Finally, the current challenges and prospects are discussed.