Bringing Vibrational Imaging to Chemical Biology with Molecular Probes

As an emerging optical imaging modality, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy provides invaluable opportunities for chemical biology studies using its rich chemical information. Through rapid progress over the past decade, the development of Raman probes harnessing the chemical biology toolbox has proven to play a key role in advancing SRS microscopy and expanding biological applications. In this perspective, we first discuss the development of biorthogonal SRS imaging using small tagging of triple bonds or isotopes and highlight their unique advantages for metabolic pathway analysis and microbiology investigations. Potential opportunities for chemical biology studies integrating small tagging with SRS imaging are also proposed. We next summarize the current designs of highly sensitive and super-multiplexed SRS probes, as well as provide future directions and considerations for next-generation functional probe design. These rationally designed SRS probes are envisioned to bridge the gap between SRS microscopy and chemical biology research and should benefit their mutual development.