Abstract
Visual representation and quantification of biological processes at the cellular and subcellular levels within living subjects are gaining great interest in life science to address frontier issues in pathology and physiology. As intact living subjects do not emit any optical signature, visual representation usually exploits nano-scale imaging agents as the source of image contrast. Many imaging agents have been developed for this purpose, some of which exert nonspecific, passive, and physical interaction with a target. Current research interest in molecular imaging has mainly shifted to fabrication of smartly integrated, specific, and versatile agents that emit fluorescence or luminescence as an optical readout. These agents include luminescent quantum dots (QDs), biofunctional antibodies, and multifunctional nanoparticles. Furthermore, genetically encoded nano-imaging agents embedding fluorescent proteins or luciferases are now gaining popularity. These agents are generated by integrative design of the components, such as luciferase, flexible linker, and receptor to exert a specific on–off switching in the complex context of living subjects. In the present review, we provide an overview of the basic concepts, smart design, and practical contribution of recent nano-scale imaging agents, especially with respect to genetically encoded imaging agents.
Highlights
Visual representation and quantification of biological processes at the cellular and subcellular levels within living subjects are gaining great interest in life science to address frontier issues in pathology and physiology
multifunctional nanoparticle systems (MFNPS) is capable of exerting fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as optical signatures and can carry drugs, nucleic acids, or other functional proteins to disease area [2]
As organic and inorganic nano-scale imaging agents have been well reviewed in previous papers [1,13,24], we have focused on genetically encoded nano-imaging agents
Summary
Designing nano-imaging probes is crucial to the success of a molecular imaging study. Well-designed molecular probes can reveal spatiotemporal information on a specific molecular biological process in living subjects [13]. Organic and inorganic nano-imaging agents have been broadly utilized for addressing a variety of frontier molecular imaging missions. Genetically encoded imaging agents are emerging and are rapidly substituting the realm of conventional organic and inorganic imaging agents
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.