Abstract:Zinc is an essential trace element whichhas an important physiological function in both plants and animals including human beings. Therefore, the detection and identification of zinc ion have vital significance to chemistry, biology, clinical medicine and agriculture. On the other hand, fluorescent probe method has good selectivity, high sensitivity and operational simplicity, the design of fluorescent probes for zinc ion has become an attractive research area in recent years. In this review, thedevelopment of fluorescent probes for zinc ion based on different chemical structures of matrix parent molecules reported in the last five years, has been summarized. In the end, future efforts to improve sensors’ performance to meet growing needs are discussed.