Near-Infrared-II Semiconducting Polymer Dots for Deep-tissue Fluorescence Imaging

Fluorescence imaging, particularly in the NIR-II region (1000-1700 nm), has become an unprecedented tool for deep-tissue in vivo imaging. Among the fluorescent nanoprobes, semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (Pdots) appear to be a promising agent because of their tunable optical and photophysical properties, ultrahigh brightness, minimal autofluorescence, narrow-size distribution, and low cytotoxicity. This review elucidates the recent advances in Pdots for deep-tissue fluorescence imaging and the facing future translation to clinical use.

Automated summary

Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (Pdots) are a promising agent for deep-tissue fluorescence imaging due to their tunable optical properties, high brightness, minimal autofluorescence, narrow size distribution, and low cytotoxicity. This review discusses recent advances in Pdots for deep-tissue imaging and their potential translation to clinical use in the future.