Noninvasive Multimodal Imaging of Osteosarcoma and Lymph Nodes Using a ^99mTc-Labeled Biomineralization Nanoprobe

The accurate imaging of the lymph nodes represents a critical indicator for tumor staging and surgical planning (e.g., osteosarcoma). Clinically, nodal tracing using a radio-nanocolloid is often limited by the inaccessibility of real-time images and inadequate anatomical information. Herein, we present a ^99mTc-labeled biomineralization nanoprobe for the advanced detection of osteosarcoma and lymph nodes with multimodal imaging. Through the exploitation of the complementary strengths of MRI/SPECT/NIR fluorescence, the fabricated nanoprobe exhibited suitable stability and biocompatibility characteristics and was shown to be able to be located in osteosarcoma. The lymphatic drainage and network in healthy mice were imaged in real-time using NIR fluorescence and SPECT/CT. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our ^99mTc-biomineralization nanoprobe could be used for the high-resolution and high-sensitivity imaging analysis of lymphatic drainage in an orthotopic osteosarcoma model. Overall, the ^99mTc-labeled biomineralization nanoprobe features promising characteristics to be used as an intraoperative visualization tool to aid in precise tumor imaging and nodal resection.