Precise diagnosis in different scenarios using photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging with dual-modality nanoparticles

Abstract

Photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence molecular imaging are emerging as important research tools for biomedical studies. Photoacoustic imaging offers both strong optical absorption contrast and high ultrasonic resolution, and fluorescence molecular imaging provides excellent superficial resolution, high sensitivity, high throughput, and the ability for real-time imaging. Therefore, combining the imaging information of both modalities can provide comprehensive in vivo physiological and pathological information. However, currently there are limited probes available that can realize both fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, and advanced biomedical applications for applying this dual-modality imaging approach remain underexplored. In this study, we developed a dual-modality photoacoustic-fluorescence imaging nanoprobe, ICG-loaded Au@SiO2, which was uniquely designed, consisting of gold nanorod cores and indocyanine green with silica shell spacer layers to overcome fluorophore quenching. This nanoprobe was examined by both PAI and FMI for in vivo imaging on tumor and ischemia mouse models. Our results demonstrated that the nanoparticles can specifically accumulate at the tumor and ischemic areas and be detected by both imaging modalities. Moreover, this dual-modality imaging strategy exhibited superior advantages for a precise diagnosis in different scenarios. The new nanoprobe with the dual-modality imaging approach holds great potential for diagnosis and stage classification of tumor and ischemia related diseases.

A Photoacoustic Probe for the Imaging of Tumor Apoptosis by Caspase‐Mediated Macrocyclization and Self‐Assembly

“…[8] PA imaging can produce 3D images with improved spatial resolution (up to tens of micrometers) and penetration depth (up to afew centimeters) in vivo,showing promise for detecting essential physiological and pathological processes. [10][11][12] Activatable PA probes that can selectively switch PA signal "on" from an "off" state upon interaction with essential biomolecules and environments (e.g., ions, [13] reactive oxygen species, [14] nitric oxide, [15] hypoxia, [16] and enzymes [17] )h ave also been reported. [10][11][12] Activatable PA probes that can selectively switch PA signal "on" from an "off" state upon interaction with essential biomolecules and environments (e.g., ions, [13] reactive oxygen species, [14] nitric oxide, [15] hypoxia, [16] and enzymes [17] )h ave also been reported.…”

“…[9] Several PA imaging probes capable of accumulating in disease sites through passive delivery or active targeting have been developed, providing increased PA contrast to assess disease states in living animals. [10][11][12] Activatable PA probes that can selectively switch PA signal "on" from an "off" state upon interaction with essential biomolecules and environments (e.g., ions, [13] reactive oxygen species, [14] nitric oxide, [15] hypoxia, [16] and enzymes [17] )h ave also been reported. These probes have advantages of low background and high sensitivity in vivo, facilitating the real-time detection of molecular targets with high imaging depth and spatial resolution.…”

Advanced Nanotechnology Leading the Way to Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Precision Surgical Therapy

“…[191] Alves et al constructed a multimodal contrast agent (called cRGD-800CW-TCO) by conjugating a cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD) peptide with an NIR fluorophore (IRDye800CW) and a trans-cyclooctene (TCO) tag. [232] Although these researches only explored the applications for multimodal imaging-based tumor detection or guidance of PTT, these NMs theoretically have great potential applications for IGS and synergistic cancer therapy (Section 4.1.2). On the basis of another NIR dye (IR820), Chen's group proposed a ferritin-loaded (DFRT) nanocage for PA/fluorescence multimodal imaging.…”

“…f) i) Preoperative PET-CT imaging, ii) intraoperative white light imaging, iii) the maximum intensity projection of the PET imaging data, high signal corresponding to healthy liver tissue and filling defects corresponding to tumors. [232] Au@ MSNs-ICG demonstrated the considerable potential in accurate tumor detection and imaging-guided precise therapy. Reproduced with permission.…”

A Photoacoustic Probe for the Imaging of Tumor Apoptosis by Caspase‐Mediated Macrocyclization and Self‐Assembly

“…PA imaging can produce 3D images with improved spatial resolution (up to tens of micrometers) and penetration depth (up to a few centimeters) in vivo, showing promise for detecting essential physiological and pathological processes . Several PA imaging probes capable of accumulating in disease sites through passive delivery or active targeting have been developed, providing increased PA contrast to assess disease states in living animals . Activatable PA probes that can selectively switch PA signal “on” from an “off” state upon interaction with essential biomolecules and environments (e.g., ions, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, hypoxia, and enzymes) have also been reported.…”