Fluorescent sensors

Nature-inspired fluorescent sensors have emerged as essential tools in sensing and bioimaging across a range of fields, including environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and imaging. These sensors draw inspiration from fluorescent proteins while incorporating recognition sites that mimic naturally occurring molecular recognition processes. They can detect a wide range of analytes, including metal ions, organic compounds, and biological molecules, with high sensitivity and specificity. This chapter provides an overview of natural fluorescent proteins and their synthetic counterparts, including fluorescent nanoparticles. We also highlight a variety of recognition sites, such as aptamers, antibodies, and molecular imprinted recognition sites that are inspired by nature. These recognition sites leverage the ability of natural molecules to recognize specific targets with high affinity and specificity, making them powerful tools for sensing and imaging applications.