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Nanostructure-Driven Indocyanine Green Dimerization Generates Ultra-Stable Phototheranostics Nanoparticles
Nahyun Kwon1, Gabriel O Jasinevicius2, Giulia Kassab1,2
1Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, PMCRT 5-354, Toronto, ON, M5G1L7, Canada.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|May 10, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed Nano-dICG, a novel nanostructure of indocyanine green (ICG) that overcomes photobleaching. This stable platform enhances photothermal therapy and enables precise tumor tracking via photoacoustic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Photonic Applications
Background:
- Indocyanine green (ICG) is a clinically approved near-infrared (NIR) dye.
- ICG's photobleaching limits its use in photothermal therapy and imaging.
- Developing stable ICG formulations is crucial for advanced theranostic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a stable nanostructure of indocyanine green (ICG) to overcome its photobleaching limitations.
- To enhance ICG's photothermal conversion efficiency and stability for therapeutic applications.
- To create a theranostic platform for real-time tumor tracking and photothermal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Stabilization of nanoemulsions using ICG to induce dimerization and J-aggregation.
- Characterization of Nano-dICG's optical and structural properties.
- Evaluation of photothermal conversion efficiency, photostability, and colloidal stability.
- In vivo photoacoustic imaging for tumor tracking and assessment of photothermal therapy efficacy.
Main Results:
- Nano-dICG exhibited red-shifted (894 nm) and intensified absorbance compared to ICG.
- Demonstrated 2-fold higher photothermal conversion efficiency and significantly reduced photodegradation.
- Showcased enhanced photothermal effect stability over multiple irradiation cycles (7 vs. 2).
- Enabled real-time tracking of tumor delivery via photoacoustic imaging within 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Nanostructure-driven ICG dimerization (Nano-dICG) creates an ultra-stable phototheranostic platform.
- Nano-dICG overcomes ICG's photobleaching, enhancing its therapeutic potential.
- This platform offers improved tumor visualization and targeted photothermal therapy delivery.
