State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology; State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentations, Zhejiang University
Fluorescence imaging is one of the most widely used imaging techniques in biomedical research. Along with the rapid development of nanotechnology, different kinds of fluorescent nanomaterials with excellent properties are constantly emerging. Compared to traditional fluorescent molecules, fluorescent nanomaterials show many advantages, such as superior photostability, tunable morphology and size, as well as multifunction. Fluorescence imaging based on nanomaterials offers a unique approach that can be used to visualize morphological details for bio-species, ranging from living cells to animals, forming a major thrust in the fields of materials, optics, biomedical and so on. In this article, we will present a focused review on various types of fluorescent nanomaterials, including organic dye doped nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots, and fluorescent carbon nanomaterials. The applications of these nanomaterials in bioimaging will be summarized with examples. We will also discuss some challenges and opportunities for the use of fluorescent nanomaterials in biomedical diagnosis and therapy.