Single‐Photomolecular Nanotheranostics for Synergetic Near‐Infrared Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Imaging‐Guided Highly Effective Photothermal Ablation

Abstract

Multi‐modality imaging‐guided cancer therapy is considered as a powerful theranostic platform enabling simultaneous precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, recently reported multifunctional systems with multiple components and sophisticate structures remain major obstacles for further clinical translation. In this work, a single‐photomolecular theranostic nanoplatform is fabricated via a facile nanoprecipitation strategy. By encapsulating a semiconductor oligomer (IT‐S) into an amphiphilic lipid, water‐dispersible IT‐S nanoparticles (IT‐S NPs) are prepared. The obtained IT‐S NPs have a very simple construction and possess ultra‐stable near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence (FL)/photoacoustic (PA) dual‐modal imaging and high photothermal conversion efficiency of 72.3%. Accurate spatiotemporal distribution profiles of IT‐S NPs are successfully visualized by NIR FL/PA dual‐modal imaging. With the comprehensive in vivo imaging information provided by IT‐S NPs, tumor photothermal ablation is readily realized under precise manipulation of laser irradiation, which greatly improves the therapeutic efficacy without any obvious side effects. Therefore, the IT‐S NPs allow high tumor therapeutic efficacy under the precise guidance of FL/PA imaging techniques and thus hold great potential as an effective theranostic platform for future clinical applications.

Design and Application of Receptor-Targeted Fluorescent Probes Based on Small Molecular Fluorescent Dyes

“…The combination of the fluorescence imaging by using receptor-targeted fluorescent probes and PET by using PET agents may improve the penetration of fluorescent probes into deep tissues, which benefits deep-tissue imaging in vivo . Furthermore, the combination of MRI with high spatiotemporal and fluorescence imaging with high sensitivity may enhance the ability to identify diseased tissues. , The combination of PAI and fluorescence imaging can not only overcome the shortcoming of PAI in achieving a full view of the tissue but also overcome the limitation of fluorescence imaging in terms of the insufficient tissue penetration, which could provide a full range of information for the diseased tissue . Furthermore, with the development of imaging instruments, the increase in the resolution and accuracy of the fluorescence imaging could be used to improve the in vivo imaging.…”

“…123,124 The combination of PAI and fluorescence imaging can not only overcome the shortcoming of PAI in achieving a full view of the tissue but also overcome the limitation of fluorescence imaging in terms of the insufficient tissue penetration, which could provide a full range of information for the diseased tissue. 125 Furthermore, with the development of imaging instruments, the increase in the resolution and accuracy of the fluorescence imaging could be used to improve the in vivo imaging. The potential application of receptor-targeted fluorescent probes for in vivo imaging is constantly progressing, albeit further unraveling is required.…”

Application of phototherapeutic-based nanoparticles in colorectal cancer

“…Phototherapy, a promising method for targeted treatment of tumors, is effective in treatment of CRC. Combination of PDT and PTT with various imaging examinations of CRC ensures early treatment of patients thus reducing cases for surgery requirement 99 . Image-guided therapy can integrate various information to infer distribution and metabolism of PSs 100 .…”

A Diradicaloid Small Molecular Nanotheranostic with Strong Near-Infrared Absorbance for Effective Cancer Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy

“…Phototheranostics that integrate real-time diagnosis and in situ therapy have shown great promise in cancer treatment. − Photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided photothermal therapy (PTT), as one powerful phototheranostic mode, has aroused extensive recent attention as it can timely monitor the accumulation of phototheranostic agents (PTAs), precisely identify the tumor profile, and efficaciously ablate tumor with minimized side effects. − PAI is a non-ionized and noninvasive imaging technique that relies on a photo-absorbing/sound-release working principle, enabling effective diagnosis with a deep penetration depth and superior spatial resolution and contrast. − PTT is performed based on a nonradiative decay-induced photothermal effect under light irradiation, which is featured with various merits including minimal invasiveness, high selectivity, ideal therapeutic effect, and facile manipulation. − In this regard, the combination of PAI and PTT is one of the most promising phototheranostic modes for future clinical translation. On the other hand, wide applications of PAI-guided PTT are contingent upon effective PTAs with an intense response to near-infrared (NIR) light (700–1000 nm) especially to 808 nm, which is transparent to biological tissues, contributing to a deeper tissue penetration depth as well as better biocompatibility to the living body. − Thus, development of NIR PTAs with high performance is highly desired for efficient PAI-guided PTT.…”