Novel live imaging techniques of cellular functions and in vivo tumors based on precise design of small molecule-based 'activatable' fluorescence probes.

Recently established rational design strategies for novel fluorescence probes, especially those based on photoinduced electron transfer and spirocyclization were reviewed. Based on these design strategies, various novel fluorescence probes were successfully developed including those for reactive oxygen species, reporter enzymes. Furthermore, in vivo cancer imaging techniques based on rationally designed activatable probes such as cancer-specific antibodies tagged with acidic-pH activatable fluorescence probes and peptidase activatable fluorescence probes were also discussed.