The Prospects for the Application of Optical Probes for Detecting Senescent Cells in Research into Natural Anti-Aging Substances: A Review

Abstract

With the intensification of population aging and the rising incidence of chronic diseases posing significant threats to health and longevity, interventions targeting the regulation of aging have garnered increasing attention. Consequently, the development of natural edible substances possessing antiaging properties has become a prominent focus in food research. To meet this demand, the creation of novel visualization assessment methods is paramount. Compared to the limitations of traditional techniques, optical probes offer exceptional visualization and real-time monitoring capabilities for evaluating the antiaging characteristics of natural edible substances. This study first delineates the characteristics of aging, common biomarkers, and the classification and application domains of optical probe materials. It subsequently evaluates the properties, application scenarios, advantages, and limitations of commonly used optical probes for detecting senescent cells. Finally, it summarizes and discusses future development directions for optical probes in assessing the efficacy of antiaging foods, aiming to introduce advanced detection tools to the field of food science and provide a reference for developing methods to validate the efficacy of antiaging foods in the future.