Abstract
Responsive optical probes play a vital role in following and understanding biological events. In this review, we focus on the use of lanthanide complexes as molecular probes, as they offer many advantages in imaging and assays, particularly when used in time-gated protocols. We describe systems that illustrate the key photophysical approaches to achieving analyte-dependent signal modulation. In summary, this signal modulation can be achieved through changes either in the coordination sphere of the lanthanide or in the pathway of sensitized emission. In conclusion, we describe the main challenges to be overcome in the field of responsive probes, mainly the effective determination of concentrations in vivo and the development of probes with temporal responses adequate to follow fast processes.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.