Design strategies for tetrazine fluorogenic probes for bioorthogonal imaging

Abstract

Tetrazine fluorogenic probes play a critical role in bioorthogonal chemistry, selectively activating fluorescence upon reaction to enhance precision in imaging and sensing within complex biological environments. Recent structural innovations—such as varied fluorophore choices, spacer optimization, and direct tetrazine integration within a fluorophore's π-conjugated system—have expanded their spectral range from visible to NIR, enhancing adaptability across various applications. This review examines advancements in the rational design and synthesis of these probes. We examine key fluorogenic mechanisms, such as energy transfer, internal conversion, and electron/charge transfer, that significantly influence fluorescence activation. We also highlight representative applications in live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, and therapeutic monitoring, underscoring the expanding role of tetrazine probes in biomedical research and diagnostics. Collectively, these insights provide a strategic foundation for developing next-generation tetrazine probes with tailored properties to address evolving diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.