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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
An In Situ-Generated Near-Infrared Chemiluminescent Nanoprobe for High-Contrast Lymph Node Mapping and Tumor-Guided
Yun Zhang1,2, Si-Yu Zhou1,2, He-Qing Yi3
1Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo and Biosensing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
Researchers developed novel halogen-engineered nanoprobes for direct near-infrared chemiluminescent bioimaging. This single-molecule strategy enhances imaging sensitivity while minimizing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced phototoxicity for safer biological detection.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Imaging
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Chemiluminescent nanoprobes offer excitation-free bioimaging with high signal-to-background ratios.
- Current systems often rely on strong photosensitizers, leading to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potential phototoxicity.
- There is a need for safer, highly sensitive chemiluminescent probes for in vivo applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a novel bioimaging probe integrating ROS generation, trapping, and near-infrared (NIR) chemiluminescent emission within a single molecular framework.
- To achieve direct NIR chemiluminescent emission at the single-molecule level through halogen engineering.
- To minimize phototoxicity while maintaining high imaging sensitivity for biological detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized halogen engineering to modulate frontier molecular orbitals and excited-state properties of the probe.
- Leveraged heavy-atom effects (strengthened spin-orbit coupling, promoted intersystem crossing) to enhance direct NIR chemiluminescence.
- Encapsulated the probe with mPEG-DSPE2000 to improve in vivo stability and brightness.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated direct NIR chemiluminescent emission at the single-molecule level, bypassing energy transfer mechanisms.
- Achieved enhanced chemiluminescent efficiency through halogen-induced heavy-atom effects.
- Successfully visualized lymph nodes and guided tumor surgery in vivo, showcasing high imaging sensitivity and stability.
- Minimized excessive ROS accumulation, reducing phototoxicity concerns.
Conclusions:
- Developed a safe and effective single-molecule strategy for direct NIR chemiluminescent bioimaging.
- The halogen-engineered probes offer high sensitivity and low toxicity, suitable for advanced biological detection.
- This approach presents a promising platform for developing reliable, low-toxicity chemiluminescent imaging agents.
