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Updated: Sep 12, 2025
Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for In Vivo Optical Imaging
Published on: January 5, 2015
Viscosity-responsive NIR AIE fluorescent probe for lysosome-targeted tumor imaging
Jianxi Liu1, Yonglin Zhang1, Jiale Hu1
1Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China.
Researchers developed YL-134, a novel fluorescent probe, to visualize lysosomal viscosity changes in cancer. This probe enables sensitive in vivo tumor imaging and cancer cell detection, aiding in cancer diagnosis and research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Biology
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Lysosomal viscosity is a key indicator in cancer progression.
- Accurate in vivo visualization of lysosomal viscosity is crucial but challenging.
- Novel fluorescent probes are needed for sensitive and specific detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel near-infrared (NIR) aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe, YL-134.
- To evaluate YL-134's efficacy for targeted lysosomal viscosity sensing and in vivo tumor imaging.
- To assess YL-134's potential for cancer cell discrimination and diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of YL-134 probe with a quinoline-malononitrile core, morpholine for lysosomal targeting, and sulfonic acid for solubility.
- Characterization of YL-134's photophysical properties, including NIR emission, AIE, and fluorescence response to viscosity.
- In vitro evaluation using cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal cells (HUVEC), and in vivo tumor imaging in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- YL-134 exhibits bright NIR emission, large Stokes shift, and robust AIE properties.
- The probe demonstrates a sensitive, linear fluorescence turn-on response to viscosity changes.
- YL-134 successfully differentiates cancer cells from normal cells and enables in vivo tumor imaging with a notable tumor-to-background ratio.
Conclusions:
- YL-134 is a highly effective NIR AIE fluorescent probe for precise lysosomal viscosity visualization.
- The probe shows excellent stability, low cytotoxicity, and high sensitivity for viscosity sensing.
- YL-134 holds significant promise for advancing cancer diagnosis, research, and therapeutic monitoring.
