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Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for In Vivo Optical Imaging
Published on: January 5, 2015
Optimizing quantitative in vivo fluorescence imaging with near-infrared quantum dots
Lauren T Rosenblum1, Nobuyuki Kosaka, Makoto Mitsunaga
1Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1088, USA.
Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging
|October 12, 2010
Summary
Selecting longer wavelengths for excitation and emission in quantum dot (QD) imaging reduces errors in fluorescence intensity measurements. This optimization is crucial for accurate in vivo quantification, especially in lymphatic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biophotonics
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Quantum dots (QDs) are fluorescent nanoparticles used in biological imaging.
- In vitro QD studies have not prioritized excitation/emission wavelength selection.
- In vivo imaging requires careful consideration of light scattering and absorption by tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of excitation and emission wavelengths on quantization error in in vivo QD imaging.
- To determine optimal wavelengths for accurate fluorescence intensity quantification in biological tissues.
- To assess the influence of tissue optical properties versus QD absorbance efficiency on imaging accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three near-infrared QDs (QD655, QD705, QD800) for in vivo lymphatic imaging.
- Applied a range of excitation wavelengths from blue to red light (445-705 nm).
- Analyzed quantization error in relative fluorescence intensity based on wavelength selection.
Main Results:
- Longer excitation and emission wavelengths significantly reduced quantization error in fluorescence intensity.
- Statistically significant differences in error were observed across various excitation wavelength bands.
- Tissue light absorbance and scattering were identified as major contributors to quantization error, more so than QD absorbance efficiency.
Conclusions:
- For qualitative in vivo QD imaging, wavelength selection can be flexible.
- For quantitative in vivo QD imaging, utilizing the longest possible excitation and emission wavelengths is recommended to minimize errors.
- Optimizing wavelength selection is critical for improving the accuracy of fluorescence-based biomedical imaging.
