Fluorescent probes for lysosomes, mitochondria, and lipid droplets: precision design, dynamic microenvironment monitoring, and heterogeneity exploration

Abstract

Organelles are essential for regulating cellular physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis. Disruption of their functions can lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to various diseases. Advances in fluorescent materials and imaging technologies have significantly enhanced the development of probes for detecting organelle-specific parameters and studying their heterogeneity. This review summarizes the design strategies, response mechanisms, and applications of fluorescent probes targeting three key organelles – lysosomes, mitochondria, and lipid droplets – in microenvironmental sensing and heterogeneity analysis, as developed by our group and others. In addition, the challenges faced by organelle imaging and the outlook for future development are also discussed, aiming to inspire further innovation in the design and application of organelle-specific fluorescent probes.