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A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
Recent Advances in Near-Infrared Cyanine Dye-Based Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Tumor Imaging and Therapy
Yuxiang Gao1, Lijun Zhu1, Zhong Du1
1The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The early detection and high mortality rate of tumors have become great challenges in modern medicine. Recently, innovations in nanotechnology have provided a new paradigm in tumor accurate diagnosis and treatment. As the typical type of organic nanoprobes, near-infrared (NIR) cyanine dye-based fluorescent nanoprobes retain the inherent high luminescence efficiency and good biocompatibility of cyanine dyes. Due to their unique structure and excellent optical properties, some of them have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Furthermore, cyanine dyes have exhibited dual photo-induced therapeutic functions of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Notably, the high stability and tunable molecular structure of cyanine dyes allow for more stable binding to other contrast and therapeutic agents, expanding their use in biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. To date, numerous studies have demonstrated the significant application potential of cyanine nanoprobes, garnering widespread attention from researchers. In this work, we provided a comprehensive overview of the novel applications of cyanine dye-based nanoprobes. Specifically, we discussed their unique properties and applications in fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and multimodal tumor imaging. Additionally, we elucidate molecular design strategies, underlying mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of cyanine nanoprobes.
Insights
Cyanine dye-based nanoprobes offer advanced tumor diagnosis and treatment. These near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes enable precise imaging and dual therapies, showing great potential in modern medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Tumor early detection and high mortality rates pose significant challenges in modern medicine.
- Nanotechnology innovations are revolutionizing tumor diagnosis and treatment paradigms.
- Cyanine dye-based nanoprobes, a type of organic nanoprobe, offer high luminescence and biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of novel applications of cyanine dye-based nanoprobes.
- To discuss their unique properties and applications in various imaging modalities.
- To elucidate molecular design, mechanisms, and therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cyanine dye-based nanoprobes.
- Analysis of their properties for fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and multimodal tumor imaging.
- Elucidation of molecular design strategies and therapeutic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Cyanine nanoprobes exhibit excellent optical properties and biocompatibility, with some FDA-approved.
- They possess dual photo-induced therapeutic functions: photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
- Their stability and tunable structure facilitate integration with other agents for enhanced diagnostics and therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Cyanine dye-based nanoprobes demonstrate significant potential in advanced tumor diagnosis and therapy.
- Their versatility in imaging and therapeutic applications warrants further research and development.
- Molecular design strategies are key to optimizing their performance in biomedical applications.

