Intensity Enhanced Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging Using Terbium-Doped Gd2O2S Microparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Radiochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) faces limitations in clinical use due to weak signal intensity and poor light penetration depth.
• Overcoming these challenges is crucial for advancing CLI's diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the intensity and penetration depth of Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI).
• To investigate the potential of lanthanide-based radioluminescent microparticles (RLMPs) as an enhancement strategy for CLI.

Main Methods:

• Utilized terbium-doped Gadolinium Oxysulfide (Gd2O2S) lanthanide-based radioluminescent microparticles (RLMPs).
• Conducted characterization experiments to assess RLMP emission and excitation by gamma-rays.
• Performed in vitro experiments to evaluate CLI enhancement and in vivo pseudotumor studies in animal models.

Main Results:

• RLMPs demonstrated negligible emission excited by Cerenkov luminescence but were effectively excited by gamma-rays.
• RLMPs significantly improved CLI signal intensity and penetration capacity, reaching depths of up to 15 mm in vitro.
• In vivo pseudotumor studies confirmed the potential of RLMPs for enhancing CLI in living subjects.

Conclusions:

• Lanthanide-based RLMPs effectively overcome the limitations of weak intensity and poor penetration depth in CLI.
• This strategy holds significant promise for advancing Cerenkov luminescence imaging for clinical applications and preclinical research.