Nanoprobes for Biological Imaging and Detection

Dear Colleagues,

Bio-imaging and detection based on fluorescence signals has been demonstrated as powerful platform for bio-related scientific study, medical diagnosis, and therapy. This methodology enables us to access the mechanisms of life and pathogenesis more comprehensively by labeling biomarkers, cells, and abnormal tissues. In this methodology, fluorescent dyes play a centrally important role, since their properties, including their emission intensity, affinity to the targets, and biocompatibility, can directly affect the results of the imaging and detection. In this regard, different types of fluorescent materials have been validated, including bioluminescent proteins, quantum dots, and synthetic organic dyes. Other than the abovementioned materials, organic fluorescent dyes (OFD) show great potential because they have almost infinite diversity, are environmentally dependent emissions, and match well with organisms. However, the aromatic nature of OFDs can possibly cause two issues: (1) p-p stacking and hydrophobic features may cause unpredictable aggregation and fluorescent quenching; (2) direct contact with organisms might be detrimental to proteins and DNA through intercalation interactions. Encapsulation of the dyes into nanocavities has been proven as an effective solution to the above problems. In addition, the nanoprobes have two other advantages. First, due to the enhanced permeability retention effect, nanoprobes of well-controlled size can readily enter and remain in cancer tissues, thus providing a solution for diagnosis and guidance of surgery. Second, nanoprobes can be modified using functional groups, for example antibodies, for specific recognition of the target biomarkers.

This Special Issue invites submissions highlighting recent progress related to the use of fluorescent nanoprobes for bio-imaging and detection. We invite original research articles, reviews, and commentaries in the fields of design and fabrication of fluorescent nanoprobes, intensive study on the properties of nanoprobes, application of nanoprobes in bio-imaging and detection, and the uptake and metabolisms of nanoprobes in cells and tissues. 

Prof. Dr. Bo Song
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• fluorescent nanoprobes
• bio-imaging and detection
• biocompatible
• organic fluorescent dyes (OFDs)
• encapsulation of organic fluorescent dyes
• stimuli-responsive emission