Abnormal microenvironments (viscosity, polarity, pH, etc.) have been verified to be closely associated with numerous pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. As a result, deep insights into these pathophysiological microenvironments are particularly beneficial for clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, the monitoring of pathophysiological microenvironments is unattainable by the traditional clinical diagnostic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. Recently, fluorescence imaging has shown tremendous advantages and potential in the tracing of pathophysiological microenvironment variations. In this context, a general discussion is provided on the state-of-the-art progress of fluorescent probes for visualizing pathophysiological microenvironments (viscosity, pH, and polarity), since 2016, as well as the future perspectives in this challenging field.

Fluorescence imaging of pathophysiological microenvironments

Recent advances in multifunctional fluorescent probes for viscosity and analytes

Lignin valorization: Status, challenges and opportunities.

Viscosity, as a vital microenvironment parameter, is tightly associated with multitudinous cellular processes and diseases. Recently, precise visualization of viscosity has started to arouse more and more interest. However, owing to the complicated character, it is still a huge challenge to directly observe viscosity in living systems. In this regard, mounting fluorescence probes are being increasingly fabricated to map viscosity inside live cells and small animals. In this minireview, the viscosity-sensitive small molecular fluorescent probes used in bioimaging are comprehensively summarized, mainly focusing on the last three years. Moreover, the current challenges and opportunities for the development of viscosity-specific fluorescent probes will be discussed.

Small Molecular Fluorescent Probes for Imaging of Viscosity in Living Biosystems

A mitochondria-targeted near-infrared fluorescent probe for imaging viscosity in living cells and a diabetic mice model

A biotin-guided fluorescent probe for dual-mode imaging of viscosity in cancerous cells and tumor tissues.

Construction of a dual-response fluorescent probe for copper (II) ions and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detection in cells and its application in exploring the increased copper-dependent cytotoxicity in present of H2S.

A biotin-guided two-photon fluorescent probe for detection of hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells ferroptosis process.

Construction of chitosan-based fluorescent probe for real-time monitoring of viscosity changes in living cells with low cytotoxicity and high photostability

Synthesis and characterization of an amphiphilic lignin-based cationic surfactant

Mingguang Ren

Papers

A biotin-guided fluorescent probe for dual-mode imaging of viscosity in cancerous cells and tumor tissues.

Construction of a dual-response fluorescent probe for copper (II) ions and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) detection in cells and its application in exploring the increased copper-dependent cytotoxicity in present of H2S.

A biotin-guided two-photon fluorescent probe for detection of hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells ferroptosis process.

Construction of chitosan-based fluorescent probe for real-time monitoring of viscosity changes in living cells with low cytotoxicity and high photostability

Synthesis and characterization of an amphiphilic lignin-based cationic surfactant