Synthetic nanoplatforms for multiscale imaging in living organisms

Abstract The rapid advancements in nanotechnology have promoted transformative breakthroughs in biomedical imaging, with global research in this field exhibiting exponential growth and numerous cutting-edge achievements widely reported. This review systematically summarizes the evolving frontiers of nanomaterial-enabled in vivo bioimaging modalities, offering a perspective across eight distinct classifications: quantum dots, nanogold, nanocarbons, silica-based nanoparticles, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, aggregation-induced emission nanoparticles, nanobubbles, and polymeric nanomaterials, and meticulously deconstructing their structure–property paradigms. It demonstrates the synthetic methodologies and surface functionalization strategies of the nanomaterials, establishing novel design paradigms that enable spatiotemporal control of nanomaterials’ performance metrics within pathophysiological microenvironments. We also emphasize the recent advancements and breakthroughs in in vivo biomedical imaging using these nanomaterials, while critically addressing multifaceted challenges such as biosafety and clinical scalability. We believe this review emphasizes the theoretical foundation for the rational design of next-generation nanomaterials, underscores their transformative potential in precision medicine and personalized healthcare management through the interdisciplinary view. We hope this review may bring some inspiration to the researchers in the related fields, and accelerate the translation from laboratory innovation to clinical practice of the nanomaterials.