Advances in orderly assembly of fluorescent small molecular probes and related bioimaging applications

Fluorescence imaging technology based on small molecule probes has the advantages of high sensitivity, simple operation, fast response speed, small sample damage and high spatial and temporal resolution, and is a powerful tool for obtaining biochemical information at the cellular and living level. Among them, the orderly assembled fluorescent small molecule probes have better imaging performance than traditional small-molecule fluorescent probes (such as strong anti-diffusion ability, high imaging contrast, and good photostability due to their unique assembly methods and recognition modes). This article summarizes the applications of several common organic dye aggregates and corresponding small molecule fluorescent probes in the field of bioimaging. Subsequently, the design and optimization strategies of organic dye assemblies represented by HPQ and its derivatives with hydrogen-bond-driven ordered assembly and their applications in the biomedical field are highlighted. Finally, the problems existing in the design and application of ordered assembled fluorescent small molecule probes are discussed, which provides ideas for the design of new ordered assembled fluorescent small molecule probes.