Chemiluminescent spiroadamantane-1,2-dioxetanes: Recent advances in molecular imaging and biomarker detection

Triggered chemiluminescence emission of spiroadamantane-1,2-dioxetanes to detect bioanalytes has fueled the emerging popularity of chemiluminescence imaging in live animals and cells. Recently, a structural evolution of the dioxetane scaffolds towards near-infrared emitters has been observed, and efforts have been made for quantitative and semi-quantitative detection of a wide range of analytes. In this review, we summarize the current chemiluminescence imaging developments of spiroadamantane-1,2-dioxetanes. Specifically, we look at examples which depict whole animal or cellular chemiluminescence imaging of small molecules and enzymes, as well as those that portray their potential diagnostic and therapeutic abilities, with an emphasis on analyte quantification and experimental parameters. [Display omitted] •Chemiluminescent 1,2-dioxetanes are increasingly being used for bioimaging.•Includes in vivo visualization of endogenous reactive species and enzymes.•Chemiluminescence microscopy is comparatively rare but an exciting prospect.•Near-infrared emitters are being vigorously investigated.•Non-imaging applications include disease monitoring and forensic testing.