Fluorescent Probes for Nanoscopic Imaging of Mitochondria

Abstract

Studying the ultra-fine structure and functions of mitochondria at a nanoscale level has garnered tremendous attention from biologists. Mitochondria perform many more functions than merely generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and their functions can vary in different eukaryotic cells. In place of diffraction limited conventional imaging techniques, advanced nanoscopic technologies have been devised in the past decades to explore the unknown aspects of mitochondria! dynamics and complex structures with a sub-diffraction resolution. The success of these super-resolution microscopy and nanoscopy techniques is complemented by the advancements in designing smart fluorescent probes that target mitochondria. Therefore, this review includes the comprehensive aspects of the recent progress in developing fluorogenic systems for nanoscopic imaging of mitochondria. The review also critically assesses the associated benefits and limitations of such fluorophores when they are employed in practical experiments. Future scope and challenges in developing suitable fluorophores for several nanoscopic techniques are also judiciously evaluated.