Recent advances in organic molecule fluorescent probes for microbial imaging

Microorganisms play a crucial role in human life and production. However, certain pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and influenza, potentially leading to global public health crises. Fluorescence imaging has become a key tool for microbial detection due to its high specificity, sensitivity, and operational convenience. This review summarizes recent advances in microbial imaging studies based on organic small-molecule fluorescent probes. It focuses on the design strategies of various fluorophores, such as AIE, BODIPY, rhodamine, and fluorescein, and their application in imaging bacteria, fungi, and viruses. By targeting microbial-specific biomarkers, such as cell wall components, enzymes, or nucleic acid structures, these probes achieve high-selectivity imaging. These probes are applied in the detection of drug-resistant bacteria, biofilm research, and the development of anti-infective drugs. Additionally, the integration of multi-probe arrays with artificial intelligence opens new avenues for rapid microbial classification. This review discusses the principles of probe design, imaging mechanisms, and challenges, while also exploring their potential in clinical diagnostics and biological research.