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In vivo cancer targeting and imaging-guided surgery with near infrared-emitting quantum dot bioconjugates
11. Translational Medicine Research Centre & Central Laboratory, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Early detection and subsequent complete surgical resection are among the most efficient methods for treating cancer. However, low detection sensitivity and incomplete tumor resection are two challenging issues. Nanoparticle-based imaging-guided surgery has proven promising for cancer-targeted imaging and subsequent debulking surgery. Particularly, the use of near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes such as NIR quantum dots (QDs) allows deep penetration and high sensitivity for tumor detection. In this study, NIR-emitting CdTe QDs (maximum fluorescence emission peak at 728 nm) were synthesized with a high quantum yield (QY) of 38%. The tumor-specific QD bioconjugates were obtained by attaching cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (cRGD) to the surface of synthesized QDs, and then injected into U87 MG tumor-bearing mice via tail veins for tumor-targeted imaging. The tumor and its margins were visualized and distinguished by NIR QD bioconjugates, and tumor resection was successfully accomplished via NIR guidance using a Fluobeam-700 NIR imaging system. Our work indicates that the synthesized tumor-specific NIR QDs hold great promise as a potential fluorescent indicator for intraoperative tumor imaging.
Insights
This study developed near-infrared quantum dots for cancer imaging. These quantum dots successfully guided surgeons in visualizing and resecting tumors in mice, improving surgical precision.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Early cancer detection and complete surgical resection are crucial for effective treatment.
- Challenges in cancer treatment include low detection sensitivity and incomplete tumor removal.
- Nanoparticle-based imaging-guided surgery offers a promising approach for targeted cancer imaging and resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize near-infrared (NIR) emitting cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots (QDs) for tumor-targeted imaging.
- To evaluate the efficacy of QD bioconjugates for intraoperative visualization and guidance of tumor resection.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized NIR-emitting CdTe QDs with a peak emission at 728 nm and a high quantum yield (QY) of 38%.
- Created tumor-specific QD bioconjugates by surface functionalization with cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (cRGD).
- Administered QD bioconjugates intravenously to U87 MG tumor-bearing mice for in vivo imaging and surgical guidance.
Main Results:
- The synthesized NIR QDs exhibited excellent fluorescence properties.
- Tumor-specific QD bioconjugates effectively targeted tumors and visualized their margins in vivo.
- NIR imaging guidance using a Fluobeam-700 system enabled successful tumor resection.
Conclusions:
- Synthesized NIR QDs are effective fluorescent indicators for intraoperative tumor imaging.
- Tumor-specific QD bioconjugates show significant potential for improving surgical precision and outcomes in cancer treatment.
