<i>In Situ</i> Imaging Studies of Disease Markers and Small Molecules

Rapid, precise, and sensitive detection of diseases can be realized by in situ imaging of disease markers or small molecules, which can provide prospective disease-related information to patients. This is important for early detection, prognosis, improvement of cure rate, and reduction of mortality. Methods: A DNA-coupled amphiphilic aggregation-induced emission probe (TPE-R-DNA) was synthesized based on nucleic acid exonuclease III-assisted target cycling technology for tumor tissue imaging and prognostic analysis. A dual-targeted DNA tetrahedral nanocarrier (MUC1-Td-AS1411) for breast cancer cell imaging and targeted drug delivery enables real-time imaging of breast cancer and drug therapy. Designed glutathione-gated DNA nanodevices with a highly specific strategy for visualizing miRNA fluorescence Flip-flop for proportional fluorescence imaging of small bioactive molecules in the nucleus. DNA nanoenzymes based catalyzed tyramine deposition reaction for in situ detection of HER2 homodimeric protein status on cell surface, among other methods.