Red emissive AIE nanodots with high two-photon absorption efficiency at 1040 nm for deep-tissue in vivo imaging

Deep-tissue penetration is highly required in in vivo optical bioimaging. We synthesized a type of red emissive fluorophore BT with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property. BT molecules were then encapsulated with amphiphilic polymers to form nanodots, and a large two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-section of 2.9 × 10(6) GM at 1040 nm was observed from each BT nanodot, which was much larger than those at the wavelengths of 770 to 860 nm. In addition, 1040 nm light was found to have better penetration and focusing capability than 800 nm light in biological tissue, according to the Monte Carlo simulation. The toxicity and tissue distribution of BT nanodots were studied, and they were found to have good biocompatibility. BT nanodots were then utilized for in vivo imaging of mouse ear and brain, and an imaging depth of 700 μm was obtained with the femtosecond (fs) excitation of 1040 nm. The red emissive AIE nanodots with high 2PA efficiency at 1040 nm would be useful for deep-tissue functional bioimaging in the future.