Twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) based fluorescent probes and imaging agents

Abstract

Twisted Intramolecular charge transfer (TICT)-based fluorescent probes are crucial in chemical sensing due to their sensitivity and specificity. These probes undergo conformational changes upon interacting with target analytes, resulting in measurable fluorescence responses. Their environment-dependent emission characteristics make them ideal for detecting variations in solvent polarity, microviscosity, and specific chemical species. Recent advances have expanded their applications to organic optoelectronics and non-linear optics. This review discusses the design principles, mechanisms, and applications of TICT-based probes, emphasizing their role in detecting cations, anions, and neutral molecules. We describe their advantages, such as fluorescence turn-on or turn-off responses and potential for ratiometric detection, which inherently corrects for interferences. Challenges in developing these probes, including fluorescence quantum yield and photostability, are also addressed. Potential directions for future research are highlighted, including the need for improved biocompatibility and multimodal imaging capabilities, with the aim of enhancing their utility in environmental monitoring, biomedical research, and clinical diagnostics.