Probing the deep brain: Enhanced multi-photon imaging by aggregation-induced emission luminogens via nanocrystallization

Xu, Zhourui; Deng, Xiangquan; Feng, Gang; Zhang, Wanjian; Zhang, Yibin; Zhang, Wenguang; Fan, Miaozhuang; Hu, Mengni; Yang, Chengbin; Ying, Ming; Shen, Yuanyuan; Xie, Weixin; Wang, Ke; Xu, Gaixia

doi:10.1016/j.cej.2023.142850

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 44 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…(Figure 14e,f). 256 After cranial surgery, the DPTA-BT nanocrystals were employed to visualize the deep vasculature up to a depth of 1900 μm. Remarkably, they were able to depict a small blood vessel with a diameter of 8.89 μm even at an imaging depth of 1800 μm.…”

Section: Fluorescence Angiographymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The two-photon action cross-section was enhanced by 15.35-fold, while the three-photon action cross-section showed a 4.11-fold improvement. (Figure e,f) . After cranial surgery, the DPTA-BT nanocrystals were employed to visualize the deep vasculature up to a depth of 1900 μm.…”

Section: Fluorescence Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Fluorescence Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Nanocrystals for Deep-Tissue In Vivo Luminescence Imaging in the Near-Infrared Region

Yang,

Jiang,

Zhang

2023

Chem. Rev.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In vivo imaging technologies have emerged as a powerful tool for both fundamental research and clinical practice. In particular, luminescence imaging in the tissuetransparent near-infrared (NIR, 700−1700 nm) region offers tremendous potential for visualizing biological architectures and pathophysiological events in living subjects with deep tissue penetration and high imaging contrast owing to the reduced light−tissue interactions of absorption, scattering, and autofluorescence. The distinctive quantum effects of nanocrystals have been harnessed to achieve exceptional photophysical properties, establishing them as a promising category of luminescent probes. In this comprehensive review, the interactions between light and biological tissues, as well as the advantages of NIR light for in vivo luminescence imaging, are initially elaborated. Subsequently, we focus on achieving deep tissue penetration and improved imaging contrast by optimizing the performance of nanocrystal fluorophores. The ingenious design strategies of NIR nanocrystal probes are discussed, along with their respective biomedical applications in versatile in vivo luminescence imaging modalities. Finally, thought-provoking reflections on the challenges and prospects for future clinical translation of nanocrystal-based in vivo luminescence imaging in the NIR region are wisely provided.

show abstract

Section: Fluorescence Angiographymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Fluorescence Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Nanocrystals for Deep-Tissue In Vivo Luminescence Imaging in the Near-Infrared Region

Yang,

Jiang,

Zhang

2023

Chem. Rev.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Molecules with high planarity are believed to facilitate two-photon absorption. , Herein, tBuT2AQ with a rigid and planar core of AQ is, thus, a potential two-photon excitable agent. The side view of the molecule (Figure S16) demonstrates the nearly flat configuration of tBuT2AQ.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Anthraquinone-Centered Type I Photosensitizer with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristics for Tumor-Targeted Two-Photon Photodynamic Therapy

Zhang,

Li,

Kang

et al. 2024

ACS Materials Lett.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Exploring advanced photodynamic strategies to surmount the firm reliance on oxygen and the limited penetration depth of excitation light is of great significance in tumor therapy. Herein, a two-photon excitable type I photosensitizer with aggregation-induced emission characteristics, namely tBuT2AQ, is rationally designed by simply equipping an anthraquinone (AQ) acceptor with the rotor-type electron-donating triphenylamine derivatives. The AQ moiety with good electronwithdrawing ability and significant spin−orbit coupling effect could facilitate the generation of triplet excitons by triggering multichannel intersystem crossing. These triplet excitons could further undergo electron transfer processes and enable massive production of type I reactive oxygen species because of the redox cycling behaviors mediated by carbonyl groups in the AQ moiety. Moreover, the planar structure of the AQ moiety is beneficial for two-photon excitation and allows for deep penetration into biological tissues. After being formulated into nanoparticles with acid-responsive charge-reversible polymers, tBuT2AQ can be accumulated at the tumor sites efficiently and performs highly effective treatment.

show abstract

Overcome the “Buckets Effect”: Integration of AIEgens into Proteins for Fluorescence‐Enhanced Two‐Photon Imaging

Fan

Feng

et al. 2023

Adv Healthcare Materials

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Luminogens with aggregation‐induced emission characteristics (AIEgens) are considered good options for two‐photon (2P) probes, owing to their flexibility of design, heavy‐metal‐free composition, and resistance to photobleaching. However, the design principles for large 2P absorption cross‐section (δ) generally require high coplanarity, strong donor–acceptor (D‐A) interactions, and long conjugation, which can severely weaken the brightness of AIEgens at the aggregated state and undermine their potential in 2P fluorescence imaging (2PFI). Exploration of a feasible approach to overcome the “Buckets Effect” of AIEgen‐based 2P probes is thus a fascinating yet challenging task. Herein, an AIEgen, namely (Z)‐2‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐3‐(5‐(4‐(bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)acrylonitrile (MTAA) is designed to have a big δ according to the calculation result and a low fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of 2.2% in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Impressively, upon integrating into bovine serum albumin (BSA), the protein‐sized MTAA@BSA dots exhibit a 25‐fold higher fluorescence QY compared to MTAA molecules, contributing to an imaging depth of 818 µm in the brain vasculature. The retention and clearance of MTAA@BSA dots in the liver and kidney are also studied using 2PFI. Overall, this work provides a facile approach to overcome the “Buckets Effect” of AIEgen to generate highly efficient, reliable, and biocompatible 2P probes.

show abstract

Probing the deep brain: Enhanced multi-photon imaging by aggregation-induced emission luminogens via nanocrystallization

Cited by 9 publications

References 44 publications

Nanocrystals for Deep-Tissue In Vivo Luminescence Imaging in the Near-Infrared Region

Nanocrystals for Deep-Tissue In Vivo Luminescence Imaging in the Near-Infrared Region

Anthraquinone-Centered Type I Photosensitizer with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristics for Tumor-Targeted Two-Photon Photodynamic Therapy

Overcome the “Buckets Effect”: Integration of AIEgens into Proteins for Fluorescence‐Enhanced Two‐Photon Imaging

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About