Recent Advances in Reactive Oxygen Species -Mediated Near-Infrared Organic Long-Persistent Luminescence Imaging

Organic luminophores have found extensive applications in cellular and in vivo fluorescence imaging. However, their efficacy is often hindered by formidable challenges, including a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), susceptibility to false-positive signals, limited tissue penetration depth, and autofluorescence arising from non-negligible background interference. The emergence of near-infrared (NIR) afterglow imaging has addressed these problems. Organic afterglow imaging distinguishes by its unique capacity to emit light long after the cessation of external excitation, thereby exhibiting extraordinary persistence in luminescence. The integration of deep tissue penetration with prolonged luminescence in NIR organic long-persistent luminescent materials confers a distinct advantage for in vivo biological imaging, effectively minimizing the confounding effects of autofluorescence while enhancing spatial resolution for imaging in deep tissues, which is favorable for biosensing. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated NIR organic afterglow imaging, positioning this emerging technique as an exceptionally promising approach for in vivo biosensing, biological imaging, imaging-guided surgery, and therapeutic applications. Furthermore, we critically examine the challenges facing this field and propose future avenues for its continued evolution and refinement.