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In vivo fluorescence imaging: a personal perspective
Author(s) -
Ghoroghchian P. Peter,
Therien Michael J.,
Hammer Daniel A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1939-0041
pISSN - 1939-5116
DOI - 10.1002/wnan.7
Subject(s) - polymersome , fluorescence , nanotechnology , fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy , population , materials science , biomedical engineering , computer science , medicine , polymer , optics , physics , environmental health , composite material , copolymer , amphiphile
In vivo fluorescence imaging with near‐infrared (NIR) light holds enormous potential for a wide variety of molecular diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Because of its quantitative sensitivity, inherent biological safety, and relative ease of use (i.e., with respect to cost, time, mobility, and its familiarity to a diverse population of investigators), fluorescence‐based imaging techniques are being increasingly utilized in small‐animal research. Moreover, there is substantial interest in the translation of novel optical techniques into the clinic, where they will prospectively aid in noninvasive and quantitative screening, disease diagnosis, and post‐treatment monitoring of patients. Effective deep‐tissue fluorescence imaging requires the application of exogenous NIR‐emissive contrast agents. Currently, available probes fall into two major categories: organic and inorganic NIR fluorophores (NIRFs). In the studies reviewed herein, we utilized polymersomes (50 nm to 50 µm diameter polymer vesicles) for the incorporation and delivery of large numbers of highly emissive oligo (porphyrin)‐based, organic NIRFs Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies