Sentinel lymph node identification using NIR-II ultrabright Raman nanotags on preclinical models

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Optical Imaging

Background:

• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) nanotags show promise as highly sensitive bioimaging agents.
• Clinical translation of SERS nanotags is hindered by biological and laser safety concerns.
• Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is crucial for cancer staging and treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel core-shell SERS nanotags for SLN identification.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of these nanotags in pre-clinical large animal models.
• To demonstrate intraoperative SERS-guided SLN navigation using clinically safe laser parameters.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of core-shell SERS nanotags with ultrahigh brightness (1 pM LOD) operating in the NIR-II window.
• In vivo imaging and evaluation in rabbit and non-human primate models.
• Assessment of biosafety through systematic examinations and laser safety analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultrahigh sensitivity (1 pM LOD) with NIR-II SERS nanotags.
• Successfully demonstrated intraoperative SERS-guided SLN navigation in a non-human primate.
• Identified multiple axillary SLNs using a clinically safe laser (1.73 J/cm²).
• Observed no evidence of biosafety issues in systematic examinations.

Conclusions:

• NIR-II SERS nanotags are effective and safe for SLN identification in pre-clinical models.
• This technology advances SERS-based tracer techniques for accurate lesion localization.
• The study supports the clinical translation potential of SERS nanotags for SLN mapping.