As a novel kind of polymer with covalently linked core-shell structure, star polymers behave in nanostructure in aqueous medium at all concentration range, as unimolecular micelles at high dilution condition and multi-micelle aggregates in other situations. The unique morphologies endow star polymers with excellent stability and functions, making them a promising platform for bio-application. A variety of functions including imaging and therapeutics can be achieved through rational structure design of star polymers, and the existence of plentiful end-groups on shell offers the opportunity for further modification. In the last decades, star polymers have become an attracting platform on fabrication of novel nano-systems for bio-imaging and diagnosis. Focusing on the specific topology and physicochemical properties of star polymers, we have reviewed recent development of star polymer-based unimolecular micelles and their bio-application in imaging and diagnosis. The main content of this review summarizes the synthesis of integrated architecture of star polymers and their self-assembly behavior in aqueous medium, focusing especially on the recent advances on their bio-imaging application and diagnosis use. Finally, we conclude with remarks and give some outlooks for further exploration in this field.

作为一种具有共价连接的核-壳结构的新型聚合物，星形聚合物在水介质中的所有浓度范围内均表现为纳米结构，表现为单分子高稀释条件下的胶束和其他情况下的胶束聚集体。独特的形貌赋予星形聚合物优异的稳定性和功能，使其成为生物应用的有前途的平台。通过星形聚合物的合理结构设计，可以实现包括成像和治疗在内的多种功能，并且壳上大量端基的存在为进一步修饰提供了机会。在过去的几十年中，星形聚合物已成为制造用于生物成像和诊断的新型纳米系统的引人注目的平台。着眼于星形聚合物的特定拓扑和理化性质，我们综述了基于星形聚合物的单分子胶束的最新进展及其在成像和诊断中的生物应用。这篇综述的主要内容总结了星形聚合物的整体结构及其在水介质中的自组装行为的合成，特别是关注其在生物成像应用和诊断应用方面的最新进展。最后，我们以讲话作为总结，并给出了在该领域进一步探索的一些前景。