Real-time Fluorescence Imaging Research Articles

3D laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy guided by 2D real-time indocyanine green fluorescence imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy (LAH) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been advocated by many surgeons in the hope of producing better oncological outcomes. Two recent techniques, 3D laparoscopic system and 2D real-time indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (r-ICG) guidance, are benefit for improving the operative precision of LAH in different aspects. However, these two techniques cannot be applied concomitantly because of the technical limitation. Although a new modern laparoscopic system with both 3D and indocyanine green (ICG) imaging mode has been designed, it has not been listed in many countries including China. Thus, we design a new procedure to perform the 3D LAH with 2D r-ICG guidance for HCCs with conventional laparoscopic systems. In this procedure, both 3D and 2D laparoscopic systems were used. A total of 11 patients with HCC received 3D laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy (LRPS) with 2D r-ICG guidance. The right posterior Glissonian pedicle was clamped under the 3D vision. Then ICG solution was then intravenously administrated. The liver parenchyma was transected under the 3D vision and guided by 2D ICG vision simultaneously. There was no severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥III) and operation related death. The 90-day mortality was also nil. By using this procedure, the advantages of two techniques, 3D laparoscopic system and 2D r-ICG guidance, were combined so that LAH could be performed with more precision. However, it should be validated in more studies.

A Rapid Point-of-care Fluorescence Imaging Device Helps Prevent Graft Rejection Post Modified Radical Mastectomy

Abstract Pathogenic bacteria in wounds impede successful skin grafting. However, their detection relies on culture methods, which delay confirmation by several days. Real-time fluorescence imaging detects bacteria, allowing for rapid assessment and documentation. We herein report a post modified radical mastectomy, surgical site infection with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas spp. that underwent repeated antibiotic therapy and debridement and eventually grafting. In this case, a real-time fluorescence imaging device helped prevent graft rejection.

Brilliant quantum dots’ photoluminescence from a dual-resonance plasmonic grating

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have recently caused a stir as a promising and powerful lighting material applied in real-time fluorescence detection, display, and imaging. Photonic nanostructures are well suited for enhancing photoluminescence (PL) due to their ability to tailor the electromagnetic field, which raises both radiative and nonradiative decay rate of QDs nearby. However, several proposed structures with a complicated manufacturing process or low PL enhancement hinder their application and commercialization. Here, we present two kinds of dual-resonance gratings to effectively improve PL enhancement and propose a facile fabrication method based on holographic lithography. A maximum of 220-fold PL enhancement from CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs are realized on 1D Al-coated photoresist (PR) gratings, where dual resonance bands are excited to simultaneously overlap the absorption and emission bands of QDs, much larger than those of some reported structures. Giant PL enhancement realized by cost-effective method further suggests the potential of better developing the nanostructure to QD-based optical and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract PO3-23-01: Triple-tracer Technique for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of Breast Cancer after neoadjuvant Chemotherapy using Blue-dye, Radioisotope combined with Real-time Indocyanine green(ICG) Fluorescence Imaging Procrdures

Abstract Background: For post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) patients (pts) with BC, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) was recommended using the dual-tracer mapping technique (radioisotope plus blue dye) or placing a biopsy clip into the positive node at diagnosis and identifying it at the time of surgery due to SN identification rates (IR) were lower and false negative rates (FNR) were greater for pts with local advanced breast cancer (BC) than those of pts with early stage BC in the absence of NAC. Our previous clinical trial has indicated that the real-time ICG fluorescence (RT-ICG) imaging technique could improve the diagnostic sensitivity and detection accuracy for SNB. Methods: Between April 2019 and May 2022, post-NAC SNB were successfully identified in 45 of 52 patients with stage ⅡA to ⅢB (T1-T3, N0-2, M0) who had histologically confirmed breast cancer selected to receive NAC and the standard surgeries were performed after finishing NAC. The SNs was detected by conventional procedures of blue-dye (Indigo carmine) plus 99mTc radioisotope (dual-tracer) and combined with concurrent RT-ICG technique. Clinical node positive (cN+) was diagnosed by the radiologists using axillary ultrasound, MRI and/or CT scan or assessed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The positivity of each single SN by each single tracer (blue dye, ICG, or isotope alone) was counted and identified, respectively. All patients are required to undergo SNB followed by completion axillary lymph node dissection (CND). Then the IR and FNR of each single tracer and their summation (triple tracer) were calculated by comparing the results of the SNB and the histopathology of the resection specimens of CND. Results: Among 45 post-NAC pts, the IR and FNR of each single procedure for SNB was 45.7% and 55.6% when used Indigo Carmine blue, 70.3% and 11.1% when used RI, 82.6% and 0 when used ICG fluorescence, respectively. In contrast, the total calculation of triple tracer showed that IR reached to 100% and FNR was 0, respectively. The IR of triple tracer were 83.9% and 100% for ypN0 and ypN(+) pts after NAC, both FNR were 0%. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the triple tracer technique combining blue dye, ICG, and isotope is effective method for detection of SNs in post-neoadjuvant cN+ BC pts. The IR and FNR of SNB might be improved by this multiple tracer mapping technique, particularly for pts with ypN(+) after NAC. It is considered that the multi-tracer can complement each other for what was not able to be traced and detected by the single tracer with one mapping material, and that result in totally the improvement of identification rate of SNB. Citation Format: Hidetaka Watanabe, Yuko Takao, Yuriko Katagiri, Rie Sugihara, Uhi Toh. Triple-tracer Technique for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of Breast Cancer after neoadjuvant Chemotherapy using Blue-dye, Radioisotope combined with Real-time Indocyanine green(ICG) Fluorescence Imaging Procrdures [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-23-01.

Combing NIR-II molecular dye with magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal theranostics with a 95.6% photothermal conversion efficiency

Photoheranostics have emerged as a promising tool for cancer theranostics owing to their real-time feedback on treatment and their precise diagnosis. Among them, how to improve the photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of phototheranostic agents (PTAs) is the key factor for phototheranostic systems. Herein, we provided an efficient method to improve PCE and constructed a biocompatible nano-material ICR-Qu@NH2-Fe3O4@PEG (QNFP) by combing near-infrared second region (NIR-II) molecular dye ICR-Qu and amino-modified magnetic nanoparticles and then encapsulated by DSPE-mPEG2000. QNFP exhibited excellent performance for photothermal therapy with a high PCE of 95.6%. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that QNFP could inhibit the growth of tumors under laser irradiation with low toxicity and realized real-time NIR-II fluorescent imaging of tumors. In general, we realized a simple but efficient method to improve the PCE of NIR-II molecular dye without reduce its quantum yield, which is an ideal choice for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In situ assembly FeS2-tetrathiomolybdate nanosheets for imaging-guided tumor vascular collapse and amplified catalytic therapy

Catalytic therapy has recently gained considerable attention as a novel tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive treatment. While conventional nano-catalysts have demonstrated the ability to induce the death of tumor cells through oxidative damage via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), their therapeutic efficacy is impeded by several factors, including limited tissue penetration depth and suboptimal catalytic efficiency. Herein, the FeS2-tetrathiomolybdate (FeS2-TTM) nanosheet was synthesized via in-situ self-assembled in the specific redox TME using metal precursors of divalent iron and tetrathiomolybdate, and these metal precursors could easily enter tumor cells through vascular penetration to avoid the blood-brain barrier. This nanosheet has been proved to possess peroxidase (POD)-like catalytic activity, which overcomes the limitations of traditional nanoparticals by the bimetallic electron transfer effect in the TME to amplify the catalytic treatment effect. Importantly, it retains the chelating copper characteristics of TTM, and inhibits tumor angiogenesis by depriving the necessary copper in cells and angiogenesis, resulting in vascular embolization to cause tumor blood vessels to collapse. Additionally, it can also act as a nanoprobe that supports both real-time fluorescence imaging monitoring and T1/T2 dual-modality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As a promising nanomaterial, this new type of in-situ self-assembled nanosheet provides more varieties for the construction of an integrative platform of tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Safe and Accurate Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer With Severe Adhesions Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging: Guidance in Detection of the Accurate Dissection Layer to Avoid Organ Injury.

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for remnant gastric cancer (RGC) requires advanced techniques due to severe postoperative adhesions and anatomic changes. We performed LTG in 2 patients with RGC using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Both cases previously underwent distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction for gastric cancer and were subsequently diagnosed with early-stage gastric cancer of the remnant stomach. Indocyanine green (2.5mg/body) was administered intravenously during surgery. The liver and common bile duct were clearly visualized during surgery using near-infrared fluorescence laparoscopy, and the adhesions between the hepatobiliary organs and remnant stomach were safely dissected. Laparoscopic total gastrectomy was successfully performed without complications, and the postoperative course was uneventful in both cases. Intraoperative real-time ICG fluorescence imaging allows clear visualization of the liver and common bile duct and can be useful in LTG for RGC with severe adhesions.

Visualization of salt diffusion in beef curing process using Smartphone-Assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor

Herein, a smartphone-assisted fluorescent sensor was proposed for real-time fluorescence imaging and monitoring of salt diffusion in beef curing process. The glutathione modified carbon quantum dots @ curcumin (CQDs@CCM) probe with dual-emissive properties was prepared using natural biomass materials. In the probe, the CQDs with blue fluorescence was quenched by CCM due to the inner filter effect (IFE). When the probe was exposed to highly saturated sodium salt, CCM formed a complex with sodium ions, interrupting the IFE behavior and resulting in the fluorescence recovery of CQDs. Significantly, the innovative application of CCM in curing scenarios effectively circumvents the interference of other metal ions. To our knowledge, this is the first report to apply smartphone-assisted fluorescent sensor to salt imaging of cured beef. Notably, the finite element analysis was performed to simulate the diffusion of salt in beef using COMSOL, and the simulation showed similar results to fluorescence analysis, indicating the established visualizing method and the simulated model can provide effective information for beef marination process. This study provide technical support for precise control of the beef curing degree and offer new insights into the fluorescence imaging in food flavor monitoring.

Low-dose radiotherapy synergizes with iRGD-antiCD3-modified T cells by facilitating T cell infiltration

Background and purposePoor penetration of transferred T cells represents a critical factor impeding the development of adoptive cell therapy in solid tumors. We demonstrated that iRGD-antiCD3 modification promoted both T cell infiltration and activation in our previous work. Interest in low-dose radiotherapy has recently been renewed due to its immuno-stimulatory effects including T cell recruitment. This study aims to explore the synergistic effects between low-dose radiotherapy and iRGD-antiCD3-modified T cells. Materials and methodsFlow cytometry was performed to assess the expression of iRGD receptors and chemokines. T cell infiltration was evaluated by immunohistofluorescence and in vivo real-time fluorescence imaging and antitumor effects were investigated by in vivo bioluminescence imaging in the gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis mouse model. ResultsWe found that 2 Gy irradiation upregulated the expression of all three iRGD receptors and T-cell chemokines. The addition of 2 Gy low-dose irradiation boosted the accumulation and penetration of iRGD-antiCD3-modified T cells in peritoneal tumor nodules. Combining 2 Gy low-dose irradiation with iRGD-antiCD3-modified T cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in the peritoneal metastasis mouse model with a favorable safety profile. ConclusionAltogether, we demonstrated that low-dose radiotherapy could improve the antitumor potency of iRGD-antiCD3-modified T cells by promoting T cell infiltration, providing a rationale for exploring low-dose radiotherapy in combination of other adoptive T cell therapies in solid tumors.

Conjugated Oligoelectrolyte with DNA Affinity for Enhanced Nuclear Imaging and Precise DNA Quantification.

Precise DNA quantification and nuclear imaging are pivotal for clinical testing, pathological diagnosis, and drug development. The detection and localization of mitochondrial DNA serve as crucial indicators of cellular health. We introduce a novel conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE) molecule, COE-S3, featuring a planar backbone composed of three benzene rings and terminal side chains. This unique amphiphilic structure endows COE-S3 with exceptional water solubility, a high quantum yield of 0.79, and a significant fluorescence Stokes shift (λex = 366 nm, λem = 476 nm), alongside a specific fluorescence response to DNA. The fluorescence intensity correlates proportionally with DNA concentration. COE-S3 interacts with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) through an intercalation binding mode, exhibiting a binding constant (K) of 1.32 × 106 M-1. Its amphiphilic nature and strong DNA affinity facilitate its localization within mitochondria in living cells and nuclei in apoptotic cells. Remarkably, within 30 min of COE-S3 staining, cell vitality can be discerned through real-time nuclear fluorescence imaging of apoptotic cells. COE-S3's high DNA selectivity enables quantitative intracellular DNA analysis, providing insights into cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth. Our findings underscore COE-S3, with its strategically designed, shortened planar backbone, as a promising intercalative probe for DNA quantification and nuclear imaging.

Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Containing Benzenesulfonyl Azide Groups as Visible Light-Responsive Drug Carriers for Image-Guided Delivery.

Nanoparticles (NPs) containing light-responsive polymers and imaging agents show great promise for controlled drug delivery. However, most light-responsive NPs rely on short-wavelength excitation, resulting in poor tissue penetration and potential cytotoxicity. Moreover, excessively sensitive NPs may prematurely release drugs during storage and circulation, diminishing their efficacy and causing off-target toxicity. Herein, we report visible-light-responsive NPs composed of an amphiphilic block copolymer containing responsive 4-acrylamide benzenesulfonyl azide (ABSA) and hydrophilic N,N'-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) units. The polymer pDMA-ABSA was loaded with the chemotherapy drug dasatinib and zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP). ZnTPP acted as an imaging reagent and a photosensitizer to reduce ABSA upon visible light irradiation, converting hydrophobic units to hydrophilic units and disrupting NPs to trigger drug release. These NPs enabled real-time fluorescence imaging in cells and exhibited synergistic chemophotodynamic therapy against multiple cancer cell lines. Our light-responsive NP platform holds great promise for controlled drug delivery and cancer theranostics, circumventing the limitations of traditional photosensitive nanosystems.

A mitochondria-targeting heptamethine cyanine-chlorambucil formulated polymeric nanoparticle to potentiate native tumor chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Chlorambucil (Cbl) is a DNA alkylating drug in the nitrogen mustard family, but the clinical applications of nitrogen mustard antitumor drugs are frequently limited by their poor aqueous solubility, poor cellular uptake, lack of targeting, and severe side effects. Additionally, mitochondria are the energy factories for cells, and tumor cells are more susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction than some healthy cells, thus making mitochondria an important target for tumor therapy. As a proof-of-concept, direct delivery of Cbl to tumor cells' mitochondria will probably bring about new opportunities for the nitrogen mustard family. Furthermore, IR775 chloride is a small-molecule lipophilic cationic heptamethine cyanine dye with potential advantages of mitochondria targeting, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging, and preferential internalization towards tumor cells. Here, an amphiphilic drug conjugate was facilely prepared by covalently coupling chlorambucil with IR775 chloride and further self-assembly to form a carrier-free self-delivery theranostic system, in which the two components are both functional units aimed at theranostic improvement. The theranostic IR775-Cbl potentiated typical "1 + 1 > 2" tumor inhibition through specific accumulation in mitochondria, which triggered a remarkable decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP generation. In vivo biodistribution and kinetic monitoring were achieved by real-time NIR fluorescence imaging to observe its transport inside a living body. Current facile mitochondria-targeting modification with clinically applied drugs was promising for endowing traditional drugs with targeting, imaging, and improved potency in disease theranostics.

Multimodal real-time imaging with laser speckle contrast and fluorescent contrast

IntroductionLaser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) can achieve real-time 2D perfusion maps non-invasively. However, LSCI is still difficult to use in general clinical applications because of movement sensitivity and limitations in blood flow analysis. To overcome this, fluorescence imaging (FI) is combined with LSCI using a light source with a wavelength of 785 nm in near-infrared (NIR) region and validates to visualize real-time blood perfusion. Materials and methodsThe system was performed using Intralipid and indocyanine green (ICG) in a flow phantom that has three tubes and controlled the flow rate in 0–150 μl/min range. First, real-time LSCI was monitored and measured the change in speckle contrast by reperfusion. Then, we visualized blood perfusion of a rabbit ear under the non-invasive condition by intravenous injection using a total of five different ICG concentration solutions from 128 μM to 3.22 mM. ResultsThe combined system achieved the performance of processing laser speckle images at about 37–38 fps, and we simultaneously confirmed the fluorescence of ICG and changes in speckle contrast due to intralipid as a light scatterer. In addition, we obtained real-time contrast variation and fluorescent images occurring in rabbit's blood perfusion. ConclusionsThe aim of this study is to provide a real-time diagnostic imaging system that can be used in general clinical applications. LSCI and FI are combined complementary for observing tissue perfusion using a single NIR light source. The combined system could achieve real-time visualization of blood perfusion non-invasively.

Real-time fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green during laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection

BackgroundLaparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (LDPPHR) is a surgical method used to treat benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic head tumors. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of common bile duct in LDPPHR using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 30 patients treated with LDPPHR at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between January 2015 and November 2022 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups based on ICG use: ICG and non-ICG. ResultsThirty patients received LDPPHR, 11 males and 19 females, and the age was 50.50 (M (IQR)) years (range: 19–76 years). LDPPHR was successfully performed in 27 (90 %) patients, LPD was performed in 1 (3 %) patient, and laparotomy conversion was performed in 2 (7 %) patients. One patient (3 %) died 21 days after surgery. The incidence of intraoperative bile duct injury in the ICG group was lower than that in the non-ICG group (10 % vs 60 %, P = 0.009), and the operation time in the ICG group was shorter than that in the non-ICG group (311.9 ± 14.97 vs 338.05 ± 18.75 min, P < 0.05). Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 16 patients (53 %), including 10 with biochemical leakage (62.5 %), four with grade B (25 %), and two with grade C (12.5 %). Postoperative bile leakage occurred in four patients (13 %). ConclusionsThe ICG fluorescence imaging technology in LDPPHR helps protect the integrity of the common bile duct and reduce the occurrence of intraoperative bile duct injury, postoperative bile leakage, and bile duct stenosis.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of miRNA Using a Transmembrane Polypeptide-Based Genetic Reporter.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play important regulatory roles in multiple biological processes. Many miRNAs exhibit unique expression patterns and are considered as theranostic biomarkers in a variety of human diseases. A reporter system that is capable of imaging miRNA in vivo is crucial for investigating miRNA biology. In the present study, an organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B3 (OATP1B3)-based genetic switch system is designed and optimized to achieve near-infrared fluorescent imaging of miRNA by the uptake of indocyanine green (ICG) dye. The reporter system, named miR-ON-OB3, is shown to be efficient to regulate the expression of OATP1B3 in mammalian cells. Notably, the results indicate that the system is of high sensitivity for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of both exogenous and endogenous miRNA in mammalian cells. Moreover, the system is proved to be functional for real-time near-infrared fluorescence imaging of miRNA in living mice. This study establishes a novel genetic encoded reporter for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of miRNA, which may provide a potential tool for in vivo imaging of miRNA in clinical applications due to the clinical availability of ICG.

Transferrin-Modified Triptolide Liposome Targeting Enhances Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects.

Triptolide (TP) is an epoxy diterpene lactone compound isolated and purified from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., which has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, due to problems with solubility, bioavailability, and adverse effects, the use and effectiveness of the drug are limited. In this study, a transferrin-modified TP liposome (TF-TP@LIP) was constructed for the delivery of TP. The thin-film hydration method was used to prepare TF-TP@LIP. The physicochemical properties, drug loading, particle size, polydispersity coefficient, and zeta potential of the liposomes were examined. The inhibitory effects of TF-TP@LIP on tumor cells in vitro were assessed using the HepG2 cell line. The biodistribution of TF-TP@LIP and its anti-tumor effects were investigated in tumor-bearing nude mice. The results showed that TF-TP@LIP was spherical, had a particle size of 130.33 ± 1.89 nm and zeta potential of -23.20 ± 0.90 mV, and was electronegative. Encapsulation and drug loading were 85.33 ± 0.41% and 9.96 ± 0.21%, respectively. The preparation was stable in serum over 24 h and showed biocompatibility and slow release of the drug. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed that uptake of TF-TP@LIP was significantly higher than that of TP@LIP (p < 0.05), while MTT assays indicated mean median inhibition concentrations (IC50) of TP, TP@LIP, and TF-TP@ of 90.6 nM, 56.1 nM, and 42.3 nM, respectively, in HepG2 cell treated for 48 h. Real-time fluorescence imaging indicated a significant accumulation of DiR-labeled TF-TP@LIPs at tumor sites in nude mice, in contrast to DiR-only or DiR-labeled, indicating that modification with transferrin enhanced drug targeting to the tumor tissues. Compared with the TP and TP@LIP groups, the TF-TP@LIP group had a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. H&E staining results showed that TF-TP@LIP inhibited tumor growth and did not induce any significant pathological changes in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys of nude mice, with all liver and kidney indices within the normal range, with no significant differences compared with the control group, indicating the safety of the preparation. The findings indicated that modification by transferrin significantly enhanced the tumor-targeting ability of the liposomes and improved their anti-tumor effects in vivo. Reducing its distribution in normal tissues and decreasing its toxic effects suggest that the potential of TF-TP@LIP warrants further investigation for its clinical application.

Rational construction and evaluation of a dual-functional near-infrared fluorescent probe for the imaging of Amyloid-β and mitochondrial viscosity

Alzheimer's disease is a fatal, incurable, chronic neurodegenerative disease. Diagnosis in its early and even preclinical stages will be beneficial for its prevention and treatment. In the accepted pathological theory, abnormal accumulation of Aβ protein and abnormal mitochondrial function, including changes in mitochondrial viscosity, is closely related to Alzheimer's disease. To date, rare fluorescent probes have been reported that can simultaneously image Aβ plaques and mitochondrial viscosity. Therefore, the development of a dual-functional fluorescent probe for real-time fluorescence imaging of Aβ plaques and mitochondrial viscosity is crucial to discover a novel approach and strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and to understand the pathological process and crosstalk between different biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of fluorescent probes QM-SF-1∼5 with dimethylamino-quinolinium as the skeleton and thiophene as the π bridge to connect the groups with different electron-push/pull capacities. Among them, QM-SF-2 exhibited excellent properties such as large Stokes shift (168 nm), near-infrared emission (689 nm), and high selectivity and sensitivity (limit of detection was 1.07 μM) to Aβ aggregate and mitochondrial viscosity changes, indicating its promising prospects as a dual-functional imaging tool in the pathological study of Alzheimer's disease.

A selenium-based fluorescent probe for the sensitive detection of hypochlorous acid and its application in cell and zebrafish imaging

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a significant reactive oxygen species within biological systems, and its anomalous metabolism has been linked to a range of diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to track and monitor the concentration of HOCl in living organisms to understand its biological functions and study its pathogenic mechanisms. In this study, we developed a photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) mechanism-based benzo-fused bodipy fluorescence probe, named BBy-Se, for highly sensitive and selective detection of HOCl in aqueous solutions. BBy-Se demonstrated a good turn-on fluorescence response to HOCl by specifically oxidizing the selenium atom. It exhibited significant Stokes shift (82 nm), low detection limit (10.9 nM) and rapid response (less than 10 s). Furthermore, the probe was successfully employed for real-time fluorescence imaging of HOCl in living HeLa cells and zebrafish, as demonstrated by the bioimaging results. The development of BBy-Se presents a new approach to explore the biological roles of HOCl and offers a valuable tool for studying its function in diseases.

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy guided by real-time indocyanine green fluorescence imaging using the arantius-first approach

Background and objectiveLaparoscopic hepatectomy approaches, including major hepatectomy, were rapidly developed in the past decade. However, standard laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (LLH) is still only performed in high-volume medical centres. In our series, we describe our technical details and surgical outcomes of LLH.MethodsThirty-nine patients who underwent LLH in our institute were enrolled in the study. Among these, 13 patients underwent LLH guided by real-time ICG fluorescence imaging using the Arantius-first approach (ICG-LLH group), and the other 26 underwent conventional LLH (conventional LLH group). Demographic characteristics and perioperative data were retrospectively collected and analysed. We compared the technical and postoperative short-term outcomes of the two groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the demographic or clinicopathological characteristics of the patients in the two groups. ICG-LLH required significantly fewer pringle manoeuvres (1 vs. 3 times, p < 0.0001), had a shorter parenchyma dissection time (26 vs. 78 min, p < 0.001), and required fewer vessel clips (18 vs. 28, p < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference, the ICG-LLH group had less bile leakage (0 vs. 5, p = 0.09) and less blood loss (120 vs. 165, p = 0.119). There were no significant differences in the overall complication or R0 resection rates between the two groups.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy guided by real-time ICG fluorescence imaging using the Arantius-first approach is safe and feasible in selected patients, thus improving the fluency of the surgical procedure and postoperative short-term outcomes.

A dual-responsive crimson fluorescent probe for real-time diagnosis of alcoholic acute liver injury

The polarity and viscosity of the microenvironment are associated with the control of the onset and progression of pathological diseases, including inflammation, immuno-suppression and cancer. If appropriate treatment is neglected, alcoholic acute liver injury (AALI), the initial sign of alcoholic liver diseases, may transform into hepatic lesions. Therefore, it's crucial to create a particular probe to detect AALI swiftly and track its progression. Herein a polarity and viscosity dual-responsive crimson fluorescent probe (PPBI) was designed and developed, which can target mitochondria and lipid droplets. PPBI possesses aggregation-induced emission properties, good photostability and strong anti-interference ability against pH, metal ions, anions and biomolecules. This probe can distinguish cancer cells from normal ones using changes of green and red fluorescence, as well as identify changes in the cellular microenvironment associated with inflammatory and ferroptosis processes. In addition, changes in polarity and viscosity can be amplified by in vivo imaging in a mouse model to monitor alcohol-induced acute liver injury and to effectively detect the course of pharmacological intervention therapy. All the results suggest that PPBI could be a promising real-time fluorescence imaging tool for diagnosis and treatment of acute alcoholic liver injury.