Posted by 
- What is near-infrared fluorescence imaging?
Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is a light wavelength of 650–950 nm and is generally preferred for in vivo fluorescence imaging because of its good tissue penetration and low autofluorescence from 676565adjacent tissues. NIR fluorescence imaging is a fast, convenient and non-invasive imaging technique for visualizing deep-tissue structures.
NIR fluorescence imaging can be categorized into fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) and tomographic fluorescence imaging. Advantageous features of FRI are high spatial resolution, fast, real-time display, relatively low cost, portability and ability to multiplex several colors at the same time.
- What is near infrared imaging used for?
Near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging uses near-infrared light between 650 and 950 nm to non-invasively detect the concentration and oxygenation of hemoglobin in the brain, muscles and other tissues, and is used, for example, to detect changes induced by brain activity, injury, or disease. It has also been widely used by scientists to study anatomical features, internal organs and lymphatic vasculatures, as well as by clinicians to diagnose diseases, locate tumours and assist surgical procedures.
In addition, NIR imaging is a growing field for both preclinical and clinical application to the clinical management for cancer patients due to its advantageous features, such as detailed molecular profiling with the multiplexed use of fluorescent probes.
- How does near-infrared fluorescence imaging work?
NIR fluorescence imaging and tomography involves administration of a fluorescent contrast agent that (i) can be excited at wavelengths of 780 nm or greater, and (ii) has a significant Stoke’s shift emitting fluorescence at wavelengths of 800 nm or greater.
- Where to find contrast agents for Near-Infrared Fluorescent Imaging?
Traditional organic NIR contrast agents have the problems of fast photobleaching, non-specific protein adsorption and biodegradation. Then NIR contrast agents based on inorganic nanoparticles have been extensively studied because of its excellent fluorescence brightness and stability. These nanoparticles include semiconductor quantum dots (QD), gold nanoshells, and dye-encapsulated nanoparticles.
CD Bioparticles is proficient in nanoparticles preparation and imaging contrast agents development. We provide high quality NIR fluorescent nanoparticles with excellent optical performance and stability. Nanoparticles conjugation services are also available to make multifunctional contrast agents for target-specific imaging, multimodal imaging, as well as simultaneous diagnosis and therapy for your unique requirements.
About the author
CD Bioparticles, a biotech company with years of expertise in diagnosis and imaging contrast agents development, now offers custom NIR fluorescent imaging contrast agents with ideal optical properties. Our experienced scientists can construct both organic and inorganic nanoparticles fluorophores for NIR fluorescent imaging.
References
Kosaka, N., Ogawa, M., Choyke, P. L., & Kobayashi, H. (2009). Clinical implications of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in cancer. Future oncology, 5(9), 1501-1511.
Marshall, M. V., Rasmussen, J. C., Tan, I. C., Aldrich, M. B., Adams, K. E., Wang, X., … & Sevick-Muraca, E. M. (2010). Near-infrared fluorescence imaging in humans with indocyanine green: a review and update. Open surgical oncology journal (Online), 2(2), 12.
Deng, G., Li, S., Sun, Z., Li, W., Zhou, L., Zhang, J., … & Cai, L. (2018). Near-infrared fluorescence imaging in the largely unexplored window of 900-1,000 nm. Theranostics, 8(15), 4116.