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Sonophore labeled RGD: a targeted contrast agent for optoacoustic imaging
Katja Haedicke1, Christian Brand2, Murad Omar3
1Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Optoacoustic imaging is a rapidly expanding field for the diagnosis, characterization, and treatment evaluation of cancer. However, the availability of tumor specific exogenous contrast agents is still limited. Here, we report on a small targeted contrast agent for optoacoustic imaging using a black hole quencher® (BHQ) dye. The sonophore BHQ-1 exhibited strong, concentration-dependent, optoacoustic signals in phantoms, demonstrating its ideal suitability for optoacoustic imaging. After labeling BHQ-1 with cyclic RGD-peptide, BHQ-1-cRGD specifically bound to αvβ3-integrin expressing glioblastoma cell spheroids in vitro. The excellent optoacoustic properties of BHQ-1-cRGD could furthermore be proven in vivo. Together with this emerging imaging modality, our sonophore labeled small peptide probe offers new possibilities for non-invasive detection of molecular structures with high resolution in vivo and furthers the specificity of optoacoustic imaging. Ultimately, the discovery of tailor-made sonophores might offer new avenues for various molecular optoacoustic imaging applications, similar to what we see with fluorescence imaging.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel targeted contrast agent for optoacoustic imaging using a black hole quencher (BHQ) dye. This new agent specifically targets glioblastoma cells, offering enhanced non-invasive molecular imaging capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Imaging
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Optoacoustic imaging is crucial for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
- A limited number of tumor-specific exogenous contrast agents are currently available.
- Targeted contrast agents are needed to improve specificity in molecular optoacoustic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel, small, targeted contrast agent for optoacoustic imaging.
- To assess the suitability of a black hole quencher (BHQ) dye as a sonophore for optoacoustic imaging.
- To investigate the targeted binding and in vivo efficacy of the developed contrast agent.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of a BHQ-1 dye-based sonophore.
- Labeling of BHQ-1 with cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD) to create BHQ-1-cRGD.
- In vitro studies using glioblastoma cell spheroids to assess specific binding to αvβ3-integrin.
- In vivo evaluation of the optoacoustic properties and targeting efficacy of BHQ-1-cRGD.
Main Results:
- BHQ-1 demonstrated strong, concentration-dependent optoacoustic signals in phantom studies.
- BHQ-1-cRGD showed specific binding to αvβ3-integrin expressing glioblastoma cells in vitro.
- The contrast agent exhibited excellent optoacoustic properties in vivo.
- The study confirmed the potential of BHQ-1-cRGD for high-resolution molecular imaging.
Conclusions:
- A novel targeted contrast agent, BHQ-1-cRGD, was successfully developed for optoacoustic imaging.
- The agent demonstrates specific targeting of glioblastoma and excellent optoacoustic signal generation.
- This probe offers new possibilities for non-invasive molecular detection and enhances optoacoustic imaging specificity.
- Tailor-made sonophores hold promise for diverse molecular optoacoustic imaging applications.