Optical fluorescence imaging with shortwave infrared light emitter nanomaterials for in vivo cell tracking in regenerative medicine

Abstract

In vivo tracking and monitoring of adoptive cell transfer has a distinct importance in cell‐based therapy. There are many imaging modalities for in vivo monitoring of biodistribution, viability and effectiveness of transferred cells. Some of these procedures are not applicable in the human body because of low sensitivity and high possibility of tissue damages. Shortwave infrared region (SWIR) imaging is a relatively new technique by which deep biological tissues can be potentially visualized with high resolution at cellular level. Indeed, scanning of the electromagnetic spectrum (beyond 1000 nm) of SWIR has a great potential to increase sensitivity and resolution of in vivo imaging for various human tissues. In this review, molecular imaging modalities used for monitoring of biodistribution and fate of administered cells with focusing on the application of non‐invasive optical imaging at shortwave infrared region are discussed in detail.

Assessment of endothelial colony forming cells delivery routes in a murine model of critical limb threatening ischemia using an optimized cell tracking approach

“…Similarly, other issues as the optimal route of administration and cell biodistribution following transplantation are important concerns to be evaluated. For instance, the delivery route might depend on the cell type or cell dose, and the chosen implantation strategy can significantly affect the therapeutic success [ 52 , 53 ].…”

A Review of in vivo Toxicity of Quantum Dots in Animal Models

“…Unlike monolayer cells, the thickness of biological tissue is a major concern, because biological tissue can restrict the transmission of visible light and weaken the QDs signal for fluorescence imaging. Up to now, many in vivo animal imaging applications using functionalized QDs have been confirmed, such as in vivo cell tracking, 49 tumor imaging, 50 vascular system imaging, 51 and so on. The greatest advantage of functionalized QDs in vivo animal imaging applications is that their emission spectra can be adjusted in the whole near-infrared wavelength range by changing their size and composition, thus producing light-stable fluorescent groups in the biological environment.…”

Near‐Infrared Emission‐Cyanine 5.5 and Doxorubicin Loaded Magnetite Nanoparticles for Dual In Vivo Magnetic Resonance and Biodistribution Imaging

“…Although MRI is evaluated as an accurate imaging technique with the ability to observe both deep and superficial tissues in the body, it still has some limitations, such as high cost and low sensitivity [13] . Meanwhile, optical imaging is relatively simple and inexpensive, highly sensitive, and it can produce images with high resolution compared to MRI as a clinical imaging modality [14,15] . It will be wonderful if there is a drug delivery system that simultaneously enhances MRI contrast and contains fluorescent markers, because both help patients reduce the process of injection or infusion.…”

“…[13] Meanwhile, optical imaging is relatively simple and inexpensive, highly sensitive, and it can produce images with high resolution compared to MRI as a clinical imaging modality. [14,15] It will be wonderful if there is a drug delivery system that simultaneously enhances MRI contrast and contains fluorescent markers, because both help patients reduce the process of injection or infusion. Doxorubicin (Dox), a cancer chemotherapy drug, has fluorescence properties and can be used to monitor in vitro tests.…”