College of Energy Materials and Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China.
Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Chem Rev. 2024 Jan 24;124(2):554-628. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00506. Epub 2023 Nov 22.
imaging technologies have emerged as a powerful tool for both fundamental research and clinical practice. In particular, luminescence imaging in the tissue-transparent near-infrared (NIR, 700-1700 nm) region offers tremendous potential for visualizing biological architectures and pathophysiological events in living subjects with deep tissue penetration and high imaging contrast owing to the reduced light-tissue interactions of absorption, scattering, and autofluorescence. The distinctive quantum effects of nanocrystals have been harnessed to achieve exceptional photophysical properties, establishing them as a promising category of luminescent probes. In this comprehensive review, the interactions between light and biological tissues, as well as the advantages of NIR light for luminescence imaging, are initially elaborated. Subsequently, we focus on achieving deep tissue penetration and improved imaging contrast by optimizing the performance of nanocrystal fluorophores. The ingenious design strategies of NIR nanocrystal probes are discussed, along with their respective biomedical applications in versatile luminescence imaging modalities. Finally, thought-provoking reflections on the challenges and prospects for future clinical translation of nanocrystal-based luminescence imaging in the NIR region are wisely provided.
成像技术已经成为基础研究和临床实践的有力工具。特别是，组织透明近红外（NIR，700-1700nm）区域的荧光成像是一种极具潜力的技术，可以在活体中实现对生物结构和病理生理事件的可视化，其具有深层组织穿透能力和高成像对比度，这是由于光与组织的相互作用（吸收、散射和自发荧光）减少了。纳米晶体的独特量子效应已被用于实现卓越的光物理性质，使其成为一类有前途的荧光探针。在这篇综述中，首先阐述了光与生物组织的相互作用，以及近红外光在荧光成象中的优势。然后，我们专注于通过优化纳米晶体荧光团的性能来实现深层组织穿透和提高成像对比度。讨论了 NIR 纳米晶体探针的巧妙设计策略，以及它们在各种荧光成像模式中的各自的生物医学应用。最后，明智地提供了关于未来基于纳米晶体的 NIR 区域荧光成像在临床转化方面的挑战和前景的深思熟虑的思考。
