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Hand-held Clinical Photoacoustic Imaging System for Real-time Non-invasive Small Animal Imaging
Published on: October 16, 2017
NIR-II Dual-Modal Photoacoustic and OCT/OCTA Contrast Mechanisms Imaging Microenvironment Responses for
Linhai Yang1,2, Jingchao Li3, Shuting Ling1
1Department of Audit and Operational Management, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian, 355000, China.
Abstract:
Non-invasive, 3D visualization and quantification of dynamic molecular events within the tumor microenvironment are critical for advancing cancer theranostics. However, integrating high-resolution anatomical imaging with functional hemodynamic and vascular assessments remains challenging. Consequently, how photothermal therapy (PTT) differentially influences microenvironmental responses during treatment-particularly in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II), remains poorly understood. Here, a multifunctional theranostic platform is presented that combines Near-infrared-II (NIR-II) dual-modal photoacoustic imaging (PAI) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), enabling comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of tumor hemodynamics, metabolic microstructure, and vascular networks. To enhance therapeutic efficacy and imaging performance, epitaxially Pd@Au-PEG nanosheets are engineered that synergistically support NIR-II PTT and multiscale imaging. These nanosheets exhibit strong NIR-II absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and robust biological stability compared with conventional NIR-I agents. In vivo experiments demonstrate that this dual-modal imaging platform provides complementary absorption and scattering-based contrast, enabling detailed evaluation of tumor growth, hemodynamic progression, margin delineation, vascular remodeling, and microenvironmental changes, as well as real-time feedback on drug delivery during NIR-PTT. Collectively, this work establishes a clinically relevant NIR-II theranostic platform that integrates multiple optical contrast mechanisms to guide targeted NIR-II PTT with improved precision and efficacy, thereby facilitating individualized treatment planning and response evaluation.
Insights
This study introduces a novel dual-modal imaging platform using the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) for precise cancer theranostics. It enables real-time monitoring of photothermal therapy (PTT) and tumor microenvironment changes for improved treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Accurate visualization of the tumor microenvironment is crucial for cancer theranostics.
- Integrating anatomical and functional imaging for dynamic molecular events remains a challenge.
- The impact of photothermal therapy (PTT) in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) on the tumor microenvironment is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional theranostic platform for comprehensive assessment of tumor hemodynamics and microenvironment.
- To engineer novel nanomaterials for enhanced NIR-II PTT and multiscale imaging.
- To evaluate the platform's efficacy in real-time monitoring and guiding NIR-II PTT.
Main Methods:
- Combined Near-infrared-II (NIR-II) dual-modal photoacoustic imaging (PAI) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
- Engineered epitaxially Pd@Au-PEG nanosheets for enhanced NIR-II absorption, photothermal conversion, and biological stability.
- Conducted in vivo experiments to assess tumor growth, hemodynamics, vascular remodeling, and microenvironmental changes during NIR-PTT.
Main Results:
- The dual-modal imaging platform provided complementary contrast for detailed tumor evaluation.
- Real-time feedback on drug delivery during NIR-PTT was achieved.
- Pd@Au-PEG nanosheets demonstrated superior performance in NIR-II absorption and photothermal conversion compared to conventional agents.
- The platform enabled precise evaluation of tumor growth, hemodynamic progression, margin delineation, and microenvironmental alterations.
Conclusions:
- Established a clinically relevant NIR-II theranostic platform integrating multiple optical contrast mechanisms.
- The platform facilitates targeted NIR-II PTT with improved precision and efficacy.
- This approach aids in individualized treatment planning and response evaluation for cancer therapy.
