Novel live imaging techniques of cellular functions and in vivo tumors based on precise design of small molecule-based 'Activatable' fluorescence probes

► Precise and rational design strategies for fluorescence probes are established. ► Novel fluorescence probes for various ROS and enzymes are developed. ► New class of activatable fluorescence probes for tumors in vivo are developed. ► Rapid cancer detection is achieved by topically spraying a novel GGT activated probe.