Small molecule-based bioluminescence and chemiluminescence probes for sensing and imaging of reactive species

Abstract

In recent years, small molecules-based bioluminescence (BL) and chemiluminescence (CL) probes, which do not require excitation light source so as to enhance the sensitivity and avoid autofluorescence and background interference, have emerged as powerful tools for biomarkers imaging. Despite intriguing properties and fast development, it is surprising that the small molecule-based BL and CL probes for reactive species, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), reactive sulfur species (RSS) and reactive carbonyl species (RCS) has not been reviewed in the past decade. In this review, we cover the advances of synthetic luciferins, 1,2-dioxetanes and their derivatives as well as other small molecule-based BL and CL probes for imaging various reactive species during the latest 5 years (from 2015 to 2020). Finally, the critical challenges and future prospects are also addressed in this field.