Nerve-targeted probes for fluorescence-guided intraoperative imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Innovation
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Nerve preservation is critical in surgery to prevent patient morbidity.
• Current nerve identification relies on visual cues under white light, which can be limited.
• Enhanced contrast agents are needed for improved intraoperative nerve visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel fluorescent peptide for selective nerve labeling.
• To assess the efficacy of FAM-HNP401 in enhancing nerve contrast in surgical settings.
• To explore the potential of this technology in reducing intraoperative nerve injury.

Main Methods:

• Phage display was used to identify nerve-binding peptides, including HNP401.
• Peptide dye conjugates, such as FAM-HNP401, were synthesized and tested.
• Nerve binding and contrast were evaluated on human tissue and in rodent models (in vivo).

Main Results:

• FAM-HNP401 demonstrated selective binding to human sural nerves with significantly higher fluorescence intensity.
• Achieved a nerve-to-muscle contrast ratio of 3.03 ± 0.57.
• Successfully highlighted various human peripheral and autonomic nerves.

Conclusions:

• A novel peptide, FAM-HNP401, selectively binds to human nerves in vitro and in vivo.
• This fluorescent peptide holds promise for intraoperative nerve identification.
• Clinical translation could improve surgical outcomes by reducing nerve damage.