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Specific Spleen-Accumulated NIR-II Fluorescent Probe for Imaging-Guided Splenic Operation
Yiqing Yang1,2,3, Diankai Liu1, Zixu He1
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|March 28, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed VIX-S, the first fluorescent probe that specifically targets the spleen. This breakthrough enables enhanced spleen imaging and simplifies complex splenic operations in immunological research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Medical Imaging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The spleen is a critical immune organ involved in immunological research and the study of splenic diseases.
- Current splenic operations, like splenectomy and intrasplenic injection, are vital but could be improved with advanced imaging techniques.
- A specific fluorescent probe for spleen targeting is currently lacking, hindering precise in vivo imaging and surgical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize the first specific spleen-accumulated fluorescent probe for enhanced spleen imaging.
- To evaluate the probe's targeting specificity, stability, and performance in vivo.
- To demonstrate the probe's utility in guiding splenic operations and advancing spleen research.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe, VIX-S, designed for spleen accumulation.
- In vivo fluorescence imaging studies in both nude and haired mice to assess spleen targeting and signal-to-background ratios.
- Evaluation of VIX-S performance in imaging-guided splenic injury and intrasplenic injection models.
Main Results:
- VIX-S was successfully developed as a highly stable, spleen-specific fluorescent probe emitting at 1064 nm.
- Systematic studies confirmed VIX-S's superior targeting and imaging capabilities for the spleen compared to the liver, with a signal-background ratio at least two-fold higher.
- In vivo imaging demonstrated clear visualization of spleen morphology, and the probe facilitated imaging-guided splenic operations.
Conclusions:
- VIX-S represents the first specific spleen-accumulated fluorescent probe, offering significant advantages for spleen imaging.
- The probe exhibits excellent targeting specificity, stability, and in vivo performance, enabling precise visualization of splenic structures.
- VIX-S has practical applications in guiding splenic operations and serves as a valuable tool for spleen research in animal models.
