Work

Enhancing biological imaging with high-performance probes based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials have gained significant attention in biological imaging due to their high quantum efficiency and capacity to suppress short-lived background fluorescence. This review comprehensively analyzes recent advancements in organic TADF probes, focusing on their photophysical mechanisms, structural design, and encapsulation strategies to improve biocompatibility and photostability. We highlight their applications in organelle-targeted imaging, dynamic live-cell tracking, and in vivo imaging in model organisms such as zebrafish and mice. Additionally, we discuss current challenges, including oxygen sensitivity and limited long-term stability. The development of high-performance TADF probes promises to enhance imaging quality, facilitate deeper tissue penetration, and support long-term cellular studies, thereby contributing substantially to biomedical research and diagnostic imaging.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113526

Authors: Yunfei Xia, Meizhu Zheng, Xue Li, Kai Song, Zhisheng Teng

Institutions: Changchun Normal University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240

Funders: Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province, Jilin Scientific and Technological Development Program