Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is an evolving field enabling high-resolution imaging and diagnosis in biomedicine. Due to the reduced photon scattering and minimal tissue absorption, fluorescence imaging in the NIR window Fluorescent proteins are investigated extensively as markers for the imaging of cells and tissues that are treated by gene transfection. However, limited transfection efficiency and lack of targeting restrict the clinical application of this method rooted in the challenging development of robust fluorescent proteins for in vivo bioimaging. To address this, a new type of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent protein assemblies manufactured by genetic engineering is presented. Due to the formation of well-defined nanoparticles and spectral operation within the phototherapeutic window, the NIR protein aggregates allow stable and specific tumor imaging via simple exogenous injection. Importantly, in vivo tumor metastases are tracked and this overcomes the limitations of in vivo imaging that can only be implemented relying on the gene transfection of fluorescent proteins. Concomitantly, the efficient loading of hydrophobic drugs into the protein nanoparticles is demonstrated facilitating the therapy of tumors in a mouse model. It is believed that these theranostic NIR fluorescent protein assemblies, hence, show great potential for the in vivo detection and therapy of cancer.(700-1700 nm) offers increased tissue penetration depths and a better signal-to-noise ratio rendering it ideal for biomedical applications. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Currently, NIR fluorescent materials mainly comprise quantum dots, [8][9][10] lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles, [11][12][13] organic small molecules, [14,15] and polymer-based systems. [16] However, long-term toxicity and immunogenicity, non-biodegradability, as well as photo-instability of these non-life-like materials have restricted their translation into clinical applications. [17][18][19][20][21][22] Thus, the development of new fluorophores with increased biocompatibility and biosafety as imaging diagnostic tools is essential for biomedical application.Fluorescent proteins (FPs), such as redshifted fluorescent protein and engineered monomeric near-infrared fluorescent proteins (mIFPs), were proven to be excellent candidates for noninvasive labeling and whole-body imaging in living organisms due to the low light scattering/background noise, reduced autofluorescence, and relatively easy construction procedure. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Typically, those fluorophores are genetically encoded and must be produced by gene transfection into living cells and animals for bioimaging. However, the transfection efficiency is limited and the FPs expressed by this procedure are unable to target tumors effectively owing to the lack of specific binding sites. [31,32] Moreover, FPs that are expressed by hosts such as Escherichia coli and yeast are rarely reported for direct in vivo bioimaging. This most likely stems from the fast photobleaching in blood protease...
The development of new storage media to meet the demands for diverse information storage scenarios is a great challenge. Here, a series of lanthanide‐based luminescent organogels with ultrastrong mechanical performance and outstanding plasticity are developed for patterned information storage and encryption applications. The organogels possessing outstanding mechanical properties and tunable luminescent colors are prepared by electrostatic and coordinative interactions between natural DNA, synthetic ligands, and rare earth (RE) ions. The organogel‐REs can be stretched by 180 times and show an ultrastrong breaking strength of 80 MPa. A series of applications with both information storage and encryption, such as self‐information pattern, quick response (QR) code, and barcode, are successfully demonstrated by the organogel‐REs. The developed information storage systems have various advantages of good processability, high stretchability, excellent stability, and versatile design of information patterns. Therefore, the organogel‐RE‐based information storage systems are suitable for applications under different scenarios, such as flexible devices under repeating rude operations. The advancements will enable the design and development of luminescent organogel‐REs as information storage and encryption media for various scenarios.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.