Ratiometric Near-Infrared Fluorescence Liposome Nanoprobe for H2S Detection In Vivo

Abstract

Accurate detection of H2S is crucial to understanding the occurrence and development of H2S-related diseases. However, the accurate and sensitive detection of H2S in vivo still faces great challenges due to the characteristics of H2S diffusion and short half-life. Herein, we report a H2S-activatable ratiometric near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence liposome nanoprobe HS-CG by the thin-film hydration method. HS-CG shows “always on” fluorescence signal at 816 nm and low fluorescence signal at 728 nm; the NIR fluorescence ratio between 728 and 816 nm (F728/F816) is low. Upon reaction with H2S, the fluorescence at 728 nm could be more rapidly turned on due to strong electrostatic interaction between enriched HS− and positively charged 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) doped in the liposome nanoprobe HS-CG, resulting in a large enhancement of F728/F816, which allows for sensitive visualization of the tumor H2S levels in vivo. This study demonstrates that this strategy of electrostatic adsorption between HS− and positively charged molecules provides a new way to enhance the reaction rate of the probe and H2S, thus serving as an effective platform for improving the sensitivity of imaging.

Construction Strategy of Functionalized Liposomes and Multidimensional Application

“…[142] Meanwhile, the use of fluorescent dye-labelled liposomes enables real-time imaging of target cells and tissues with an imaging strategy based on fluorescence, bioluminescence, absorption, reflection derived from probes, and tracers and contrast agents. [143] Wu et al [144] report an activatable proportional near-infrared fluorescent liposome nanoprobe for the detection of H 2 S in tumors in mice, which exhibits a rapid characteristic response. Liposomes become more functional for better [134] Copyright 2018, Elsevier.…”

“…[ 143 ] Wu et al. [ 144 ] report an activatable proportional near‐infrared fluorescent liposome nanoprobe for the detection of H 2 S in tumors in mice, which exhibits a rapid characteristic response. Liposomes become more functional for better performance by combining different stimulus‐responsive moieties.…”