Recent Advances of Optical Imaging in the Second Near-Infrared Window

The near-infrared window between 1000 and 1700 nm, commonly termed the "second near-infrared (NIR-II) window," has quickly emerged as a highly attractive optical region for biological imaging. In contrast to conventional imaging in the visible region between 400 and 700 nm, as well as in the first NIR (NIR-I) window between 700 and 900 nm, NIR-II biological imaging offers numerous merits, including higher spatial resolution, deeper penetration depth, and lower optical absorption and scattering from biological substrates with minimal tissue autofluorescence. Noninvasive imaging techniques, specifically NIR-II fluorescence and photoacoustic (PA) imaging, have embodied the attractiveness of NIR-II optical imaging, with several NIR-II contrast agents demonstrating superior performance to the clinically approved NIR-I agents. Consequently, NIR-II biological imaging has been increasingly explored due to its tremendous potential for preclinical studies and clinical utility. Herein, the progress of optical imaging in the NIR-II window is reported. Starting with highlighting the importance of biological imaging in the NIR-II spectral region, the emergence and latest development of various NIR-II fluorescence and PA imaging probes and their applications are then discussed. Perspectives on the promises and challenges facing this nascent yet exciting field are then given.