Physical, Chemical, and Biological Structures based on ROS‐Sensitive Moieties that are Able to Respond to Oxidative Microenvironments

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) (H 2 O 2 , OCl − , • OH, O 2 − ) are a family of reactive molecules that are generated intracellularly and are engaged in many biological processes. In physiological concentrations, ROS act as signaling molecules to a number of metabolic pathways; however, in excess they can be harmful to living organisms. Overproduction of ROS has been related to many pathophysiological conditions and a number of studies have been reported in elucidating their mechanism in these conditions. With the aim of harnessing this role, a number of imaging tools and therapeutic compounds have been developed. Here these imaging and therapeutic tools are reviewed and particularly those structures with ROS‐sensitivity based on their biomedical applications and their functional groups. There is also a brief discussion about the method of preparation as well as the mechanism of action.