Nanoprobes based on optical imaging techniques for detecting biomarkers in liver injury diseases

The liver injury diseases caused by multiple factors have attracted widespread attention and good monitoring strategies are essential in the treatment process. In the past few decades, optical imaging techniques including fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging were gradually mastered and applied in clinical diagnosis and treatment of liver injury diseases. Such imaging techniques depend on probes generating signals in response to the critical biomarkers in liver injury diseases, and then the signals can be detected by corresponding instruments. Among them, we consider that nanoprobes with excellent aqueous solubility and biocompatibility have better application prospects. In this review, we focused on discussing the common design strategies, targeted biomarkers, detecting principles and biological applications of nanoprobes that have been developed, and we hope this review can inspire the development of nanoprobes utilized in the field of liver injury treatment.