Fluorescein applications as fluorescent probes for the detection of analytes

Fluorescein derivatives are important fluorescent probes which can be used for detection and optical imaging. Fluorescein derivatives are usually constructed by introducing aldehyde groups or esterified onto fluorescein xanthene ring and benzene moiety. Typically, the research direction of connecting amino groups with fluorescein monoaldehyde is in hot. Because of their high activity, these derivatives can be complexed with the analytes to produce changes of colors and the increase or decrease of fluorescence intensity. This article reviewed fluorescein probes in the past two years according to classification of different analytes including metal ions, anions, small molecules and biological macromolecules. The synthesis methods, optical properties, possible mechanisms and applications of fluorescein probes are summarized. This article provides a reference for the screening of fluorescein probes with high sensitivity and biological detection and can propel their further applications in sensing and detection of analytes.