Dual modal in vivo imaging using upconversion luminescence and enhanced computed tomography properties

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging offers advantages like photostability and no blinking.
• Developing imaging systems with high sensitivity and tissue penetration is crucial for in vivo applications.
• X-ray computed tomography (CT) provides complementary anatomical information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create novel nanoprobes for dual-modal in vivo imaging combining UCL and CT.
• To enhance visual sensitivity and tissue penetration for biomedical imaging applications.
• To evaluate the efficacy of UCNPs@SiO(2)-I/PEG nanoprobes for diagnostic purposes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of β-NaYF(4):18% Yb(3+),2%Er(3+)@SiO(2)-I/PEG (UCNPs@SiO(2)-I/PEG) nanoprobes.
• Grafting functional molecules with X-ray computed tomography (CT) contrast onto upconversion nanoparticles.
• Characterization of nanoprobes for water solubility, cytotoxicity, UCL, and CT contrast.
• In vivo imaging studies to assess UCL and CT performance without background autofluorescence.

Main Results:

• UCNPs@SiO(2)-I/PEG nanoprobes are water-soluble with low cytotoxicity.
• Nanoprobes exhibit excellent upconversion luminescence (UCL) and remarkable CT contrast.
• Rare earth elements (Y, Yb, Er) and iodine contribute to CT contrast.
• In vivo UCL imaging showed no background autofluorescence signal.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanoprobes enable dual-modal in vivo imaging of UCL and CT.
• These nanoprobes possess favorable characteristics for high visual sensitivity and tissue penetration.
• UCNPs@SiO(2)-I/PEG nanoprobes represent a promising platform for clinical diagnosis and biomedical research.