Self-assembled NIR-II Fluorophores with Ultralong Blood Circulation for Cancer Imaging and Image-guided Surgery

J Med Chem. 2022 Feb 10;65(3):2078-2090. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01615. Epub 2021 Dec 24.

Abstract

Complete excision of the last remaining 1-2% of tumor tissue without collateral damage remains particularly challenging. Herein, we report thiophenthiadiazole (TTD)-derived fluorophores L6-PEGnk (n = 1, 2, 5) as new-generation NIR-II (1000-1700 nm) probes with exceptional nonfouling performance and significantly high fluorescence quantum yields in water. L6-PEG2k can self-assemble into vesicular micelles and exhibited minimal immunogenicity, low binding affinities, ultralong blood circulation (t1/2 = 59.5 h), and a supercontrast ratio in vivo. Most importantly, L6-PEG2k achieved excellent in vivo CT-26 and U87MG tumor targeting and accumulation (>20 d) through intraperitoneal or intravenous injection. A subcutaneous U87MG tumor and orthotopic brain glioma were successfully resected under NIR-II FIGS in our animal model via intraperitoneal injection in an extended time window (48-144 h). This study highlights the potential of using L6-PEG2K as self-assembling molecular probes with long-circulation persistence for routine preoperative tumor assessment and precise intraoperative image-guided resection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Contrast Media / chemical synthesis
  • Contrast Media / chemistry*
  • Contrast Media / pharmacokinetics
  • Drug Design
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / pharmacokinetics
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Glioma / therapy
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Quantum Theory
  • Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared / methods*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Polyethylene Glycols