Photoacoustic Imaging Probes Based on Tetrapyrroles and Related Compounds

Area of Science:

• Biomedical imaging
• Molecular imaging
• Optical imaging

Background:

• Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) combines ultrasound depth penetration with optical sensitivity.
• PAI relies on chromophores absorbing light and converting it to acoustic waves.
• Effective in vivo PAI requires chromophores with strong absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) range (> 680 nm).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications of tetrapyrroles and inspired macrocycles in PAI.
• To identify compounds with strong NIR absorption suitable for PAI contrast agents.
• To discuss advancements in other absorbers for in vivo photoacoustic applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PAI applications.
• Analysis of tetrapyrrole and macrocycle properties for NIR absorption.
• Discussion of emerging absorbers for photoacoustic imaging.

Main Results:

• Tetrapyrroles and related macrocycles show promise as PAI contrast agents.
• Compounds with strong NIR absorption are crucial for in vivo PAI.
• Ongoing research explores diverse absorbers for enhanced photoacoustic imaging.

Conclusions:

• Tetrapyrroles and inspired macrocycles are valuable for PAI.
• Optimizing NIR absorption is key for effective in vivo photoacoustic contrast agents.
• The field is advancing with new absorbers for broader PAI applications.