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Updated: Nov 7, 2025
A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
Rational Design of a Highly Selective Near-Infrared Two-Photon Fluorogenic Probe for Imaging Orthotopic
Xiaofeng Wu1, Rui Wang2, Sujie Qi1
1Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03706, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Selective fluorescence imaging of biomarkers in vivo and in situ for evaluating orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) chemotherapy remains a great challenge due to current imaging agents suffering from the potential interferences of other hydrolases. Herein, we observed that carbamate unit showed a high selectivity toward the HCC-related biomarker carboxylesterase (CE) for evaluation of treatment. A near-infrared two-photon fluorescent probe was developed to not only specially image CE activity in vivo and in situ but also target orthotopic liver tumor after systemic administration. The in vivo signals of the probe correlate well with tumor apoptosis, making it possible to evaluate the status of treatment. The probe enables the imaging of CE activity in situ with a high-resolution three-dimensional view for the first time. This study may promote advances in optical imaging approaches for precise imaging-guided diagnosis of HCC in situ and its evaluation of treatment.
Insights
A new fluorescent probe selectively images the biomarker carboxylesterase (CE) in liver tumors. This allows for precise in vivo and in situ evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) chemotherapy treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Molecular Imaging
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Evaluating orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) chemotherapy in vivo and in situ is challenging due to imaging agent interference from other hydrolases.
- Carboxylesterase (CE) is an HCC-related biomarker crucial for treatment assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a selective near-infrared two-photon fluorescent probe for imaging CE activity.
- To enable precise in vivo and in situ evaluation of HCC chemotherapy treatment.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a novel near-infrared two-photon fluorescent probe utilizing a carbamate unit for CE selectivity.
- Systemic administration of the probe for in vivo and in situ imaging of orthotopic liver tumors.
- Correlation of in vivo probe signals with tumor apoptosis to assess treatment status.
Main Results:
- The developed probe exhibits high selectivity for the CE biomarker.
- The probe successfully images CE activity in vivo and in situ, targeting orthotopic liver tumors.
- In vivo probe signals correlate with tumor apoptosis, indicating treatment effectiveness.
- High-resolution 3D imaging of CE activity in situ was achieved for the first time.
Conclusions:
- The novel fluorescent probe enables selective and precise imaging of CE activity in HCC.
- This approach facilitates accurate in vivo and in situ evaluation of chemotherapy treatment for HCC.
- The study advances optical imaging for guided diagnosis and treatment monitoring of HCC.
