Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
A NIR heptamethine dye with intrinsic cancer targeting, imaging and photosensitizing properties
Xu Tan1, Shenglin Luo, Dechun Wang
1Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan Road, Chongqing 400038, China.
Abstract:
The future personalized oncology significantly relies on the development of multifunctional agents to integrate tumor targeting, imaging, and cytotoxic activities. In our recent study, we have recently identified a near infrared fluorescent heptamethine dye, IR-780, with unexpected preferential accumulation in a broad spectra of tumor cells for in vivo tumor targeting and imaging. On the basis of this foregoing work, in this study, we describe here the chemical synthesis and biological characterization of an analog of IR-780, termed as IR-808, which not only possesses similar tumor targeting and imaging properties of IR-780, but also has unique photodependent cytotoxic activity. In addition, IR-808 also exhibits favorable optical and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as good biocompatibility. This dye may hold promise as a candidate multifunctional theranostic agent for future tumor targeted imaging and photodynamic therapy.
Insights
A new dye, IR-808, shows promise for cancer treatment. It targets tumors, allows imaging, and kills cancer cells when exposed to light, offering a potential theranostic agent for personalized oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Personalized oncology requires multifunctional agents for tumor targeting, imaging, and therapy.
- Near-infrared heptamethine dye IR-780 demonstrates preferential tumor accumulation for in vivo imaging.
- Development of agents combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and biologically characterize IR-808, an analog of IR-780.
- To evaluate IR-808's tumor targeting, imaging, and photodynamic cytotoxic activities.
- To assess IR-808's optical, pharmacokinetic, and biocompatibility properties.
Main Methods:
- Chemical synthesis of the IR-808 analog.
- In vivo studies for tumor targeting and imaging evaluation.
- Photodynamic therapy assays to determine cytotoxic activity.
- Pharmacokinetic and biocompatibility assessments.
Main Results:
- IR-808 exhibits preferential accumulation in various tumor cells, similar to IR-780.
- IR-808 possesses unique photodependent cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.
- The dye demonstrates favorable optical and pharmacokinetic profiles.
- IR-808 shows good biocompatibility in preliminary assessments.
Conclusions:
- IR-808 is a promising multifunctional theranostic agent candidate.
- The dye integrates tumor targeting, imaging, and photodynamic therapy capabilities.
- IR-808 holds potential for future applications in targeted cancer therapy and imaging.
