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A Solid-State Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe by a Synergistic Extended Conjugated System for Detecting Cys with
Zhi-Qing Wang1, Qian Song1, Jia-Yu Liu1
1Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Green Organic Synthesis and Application of Hunan Province, Hunan Provincial University Laboratory for Environmental and Ecological Health, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, P. R. China.
Researchers developed a novel solid-state fluorescent probe, HPQ-TH-BI-Cys, for bladder cancer (BC) detection. This probe specifically targets cysteine, enabling precise, long-term imaging for improved diagnosis and surgical navigation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bladder cancer (BC) presents high recurrence and mortality rates, with current diagnostic methods lacking sensitivity for early-stage tumors.
- Existing imaging agents for BC surgery have limited retention times, hindering effective tumor visualization.
- There is a critical need for sensitive, specific, and long-lasting imaging tools for bladder cancer diagnosis and surgical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel solid-state fluorescent probe for sensitive and specific detection of bladder cancer.
- To enable long-term fluorescence imaging for improved visualization during diagnosis and surgery.
- To create an imaging agent with enhanced tumor retention compared to current clinical standards.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of a solid-state fluorophore (HPQ-TH-BI) with extended π-conjugation for near-infrared emission.
- Development of a cysteine (Cys)-responsive probe (HPQ-TH-BI-Cys) utilizing an acrylate recognition unit.
- Evaluation of probe performance in cell-based assays for distinguishing cancer cells and in vivo imaging studies using mouse models.
Main Results:
- The HPQ-TH-BI-Cys probe demonstrated specific response to cysteine, enabling monitoring of its concentration changes.
- In vitro experiments showed accurate differentiation between normal and bladder cancer cells.
- In vivo studies confirmed the probe's efficacy in both subcutaneous and orthotopic bladder cancer models, outperforming indocyanine green (ICG).
Conclusions:
- The developed HPQ-TH-BI-Cys probe is a promising solid-state imaging agent for bladder cancer.
- Its specific response to cysteine and long-term fluorescence offer enhanced accuracy for tumor imaging and surgical navigation.
- This probe represents a significant advancement over current methods, potentially improving bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
