Fluorescent Bioprobe Based on Nucleic Acid for Live Cell Imaging

Live cell imaging is an essential tool for detecting intracellular biomolecules, particularly those that are key targets in disease processes and monitoring their functions in live cells. Usually, the intracellular biomolecules cannot make out signal change that could be detected by instrument or naked eye directly. Thus, target identification and validation with high. affinity probes is one of the key prerequisites for interrogation of specific molecular targets in living systems. There are many kinds of bioprobes. Among them, fluorescent bioprobes based on nucleic acids are essential tools due to their high sensitivity, fast response, simplicity, real. time, on. site and non. invasive visualization of biological molecules and processes in live cells. They not only provide valuable insight in understanding physiological alterations in pathological settings but also serve as useful tools for the development of personalized medicine and targeted therapies. This review summarizes the progress of fluorescent bioprobes based on nucleic acids for live cell imaging in recent 5 years.