Radioluminescent nanophosphors enable multiplexed small-animal imaging

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Imaging
• Materials Science

Background:

• Current imaging techniques face limitations in simultaneously visualizing multiple molecular targets.
• Nanoparticle-based contrast agents offer potential for enhanced sensitivity and specificity.
• Radioluminescence and X-ray excitation provide alternative energy sources for imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate simultaneous imaging of multiple nanoparticle contrast agents using a nanophosphor platform.
• To explore the potential of this technique for multiplexed imaging applications.
• To evaluate the feasibility of this method for probing molecular processes in living organisms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nanophosphor platform capable of emitting optical light at unique wavelengths based on lanthanide dopants.
• Employed radiopharmaceutical or X-ray irradiation for excitation of the nanophosphor contrast agents.
• Validated the separation of two distinct nanophosphor agents in gelatin phantoms.
• Demonstrated the ability to distinguish nanophosphors and a Cerenkov component in a small animal phantom.

Main Results:

• Achieved simultaneous imaging of multiple nanoparticle-based contrast agents.
• Successfully separated two distinct nanophosphor contrast agents in phantoms with a high correlation (-0.98).
• Demonstrated the distinction of two nanophosphors and a Cerenkov component in a small animal phantom.
• Highlighted the high-resolution potential of low-scattering X-ray excitation.

Conclusions:

• The nanophosphor platform enables multiplexed imaging of multiple nanoparticle contrast agents.
• This technique shows promise for visualizing molecular processes in vivo.
• The combination of radioluminescence and X-ray excitation offers a versatile imaging approach.