Progress in Organic Fluorescent Probes and Photocontrolled Releasers for Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO), an extremely important gasotransmitter, plays a critical role in a variety of physiological and pathological events, thus having been considered as a pharmaceutical activity compound with broad medical application. The physiological effects of CO are determined by its dose and spatial location. Therefore, the specific recognition of CO and its controllable supplying are of great significance for understanding and effectively utilizing its physiological and pathological effects. Fluorescence detection and photocontrolled releasing have been widely applied to track and carry active molecules in cells, tissues and in vivo in view of their unique spatiotemporal controllability and noninvasive capacity. Herein, the research progress of CO organic fluorescent probes and photocontrolled releasers in recent years is reviewed, focusing on their recognition mechanism, release mechanism and biological applications. Finally, the application prospects and challenges are discussed.