Fluorescence imaging has emerged as one of the most robust techniques for noninvasive、real-time visualizing of biomolecules from in vitro to in vivo. Due to their high selectivity and sensitivity, ease of design and synthesis, suitability for structural modification, and minimum interference with living systems, FRET-based nucleic acid probes have been found instrumental for revealing the temporal and spatial resolution of biomolecules and biological process. In this review, we first give a brief introduction to the basic theory about FRET and fluorescent materials available for FRET, then particular attention is focused on typical designs of FRET-based nucleic acid probes and overview of the recent bioimaging applications of FRET-based nucleic acid probes from live cells to small animals. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects on future research directions of this promising field are also included.

荧光成像已成为从体外到体内无创，实时可视化生物分子的最强大技术之一。。由于它们的高选择性和灵敏度，易于设计和合成，适合结构修饰以及对生命系统的干扰最小，因此已发现基于FRET的核酸探针有助于揭示生物分子和生物过程的时间和空间分辨率。在本文中，我们首先简要介绍了有关FRET的基本理论和可用于FRET的荧光材料，然后特别关注了基于FRET的核酸探针的典型设计以及基于FRET的核酸的最新生物成像应用概述从活细胞到小型动物的酸性探针。此外，还包括该有前途的领域在未来研究方向上的挑战和前景。