Advances in Organic Fluorescent Probes for Intracellular Zn Detection and Bioimaging.

Zinc ions (Zn) play a key role in maintaining and regulating protein structures and functions. To better understand the intracellular Zn homeostasis and signaling role, various fluorescent sensors have been developed that allow the monitoring of Zn concentrations and bioimaging in live cells in real time. This review highlights the recent development of organic fluorescent probes for the detection and imaging of intracellular Zn, including the design and construction of the probes, fluorescent response mechanisms, and their applications to intracellular Zn detection and imaging on-site. Finally, the current challenges and prospects are discussed.