Fluorescent carbon dot has emerged as promising alternative of conventionally known quantum dot or molecular probe as potential intracellular imaging probe. In particular, <10 nm size, tunable and bright fluorescence of carbon dot deserve the application potential as intracellular imaging probe. However, synthesis of carbon dot with narrow particle size distribution, preparation of high-quality red/near-infrared emitting carbon dot and appropriate design of functional carbon dot for subcellular targeting are most critical issues. This advanced review focus on the application potential of fluorescent carbon dot as intracellular imaging probe. At first, we briefly discuss different types of fluorescent carbon dots and origin of their fluorescence. Next, we focus on surface chemistry and functionalization which are relevant to intracellular probe development. Finally we have summarized various types of intracellular nanoprobes that are developed from fluorescence carbon dot. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > in vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing.

中文翻译：

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荧光碳点作为细胞内成像探针。

荧光碳点已经成为作为潜在的细胞内成像探针的常规已知的量子点或分子探针的有希望的替代物。特别是，小于10 nm的尺寸，可调节且明亮的碳点荧光值得作为细胞内成像探针的应用潜力。然而，具有窄粒度分布的碳点的合成，高质量的发射红/近红外光的碳点的制备以及用于亚细胞靶向的功能性碳点的适当设计是最关键的问题。这项高级综述着眼于荧光碳点作为细胞内成像探针的应用潜力。首先，我们简要讨论不同类型的荧光碳点及其荧光的起源。下一个，我们专注于与细胞内探针开发相关的表面化学和功能化。最后，我们总结了从荧光碳点形成的各种类型的细胞内纳米探针。本文归类于：诊断工具>体外基于纳米粒子的传感。