Natalia G. Zhegalova

Multispectral imaging in the extended near-infrared window based on endogenous chromophores

Abstract. To minimize the problem with scattering in deep tissues while increasing the penetration depth, we explored the feasibility of imaging in the relatively unexplored extended near infrared (exNIR) spectral region at 900 to 1400 nm with endogenous chromophores. This region, also known as the second NIR window, is weakly dominated by absorption from water and lipids and is free from other endogenous chromophores with virtually no autofluorescence. To demonstrate the applicability of the exNIR for bioimaging, we analyzed the optical properties of individual components and biological tissues using an InGaAs spectrophotometer and a multispectral InGaAs scanning imager featuring transmission geometry. Based on the differences in spectral properties of tissues, we utilized ratiometric approaches to extract spectral characteristics from the acquired three-dimensional “datacube”. The obtained images of an exNIR transmission through a mouse head revealed sufficient details consistent with anatomical structures.

Minimization of self-quenching fluorescence on dyes conjugated to biomolecules with multiple labeling sites via asymmetrically charged NIR fluorophores

Self-aggregation of dyes even at low concentrations poses a considerable challenge in preparing sufficiently bright molecular probes for in vivo imaging, particularly in the conjugation of near infrared cyanine dyes to polypeptides with multiple labeling sites. Such self-aggregation leads to a significant energy transfer between the dyes, resulting in severe quenching and low brightness of the targeted probe. To address this problem, we designed a novel type of dye with an asymmetrical distribution of charge. Asymmetrical distribution prevents the chromophores from π-stacking thus minimizing the energy transfer and fluorescence quenching. The conjugation of the dye to polypeptides showed only a small presence of an H-aggregate band in the absorption spectra and, hence, a relatively high quantum efficiency.

Pyrazole‐substituted Near‐infrared Cyanine Dyes Exhibit pH‐dependent Fluorescence Lifetime Properties

Near‐infrared heptamethine cyanine dye is functionalized with pyrazole derivatives at the meso‐position to induce pH‐dependent photophysical properties. The presence of pyrazole unsubstituted at 1N‐position is essential to induce pH‐dependent fluorescence intensity and lifetime changes in these dyes. Replacement of meso‐chloro group of cyanine dye IR820 with 1N‐unsubstituted pyrazole resulted in the pH‐dependent fluorescence lifetime changes from 0.93 ns in neutral media to 1.27 ns in acidic media in DMSO. Time‐resolved emission spectra (TRES) revealed that at lower pH, the pyrazole consists of fluorophores with two distinct lifetimes, which cor‐responds to pH‐sensitive and non‐pH‐sensitive species. In contrast, 1N‐substituted pyrazoles do not exhibit pH response, suggesting excited state electron transfer as the mechanism of pH‐dependent fluorescence lifetime sensitivity for this class of compounds.

Synthesis of nitric oxide probes with fluorescence lifetime sensitivity

We present the rationale, synthesis and evaluation of the first activatable fluorescent probe that utilizes fluorescence lifetime change for detection of nitric oxide. The new probe DAP-LT1 features a near-infrared polymethine skeleton with a diaminobenzene functionality incorporated into the meso-position. The probe is partially quenched, and upon reaction with nitric oxide shows an increase in the fluorescence lifetime from 1.08 ns to 1.24 ns.

Molecular thermometers for potential applications in thermal ablation procedures

Thermal ablation is a promising minimally invasive method for treating tumors without surgical intervention. Thermal ablation uses thermal sources such as lasers, radiowaves or focused ultrasound to increase the temperature of the tumor to levels lethal to cancer cells. This treatment based on heat therapy may be problematic as the temperature of the operation site is unknown. To address this problem, we developed optical molecular thermometers that can potentially measure the temperature on a molecular scale and be compatible with in vivo measurements. The thermometers are centered on a combination of two fluorophores emitting in two distinct spectral ranges and having different temperature-dependent emission properties. In this design, a fluorophore with relatively insensitive temperature-dependent fluorescence serves as a reference while another sensitive fluorophore serves as a sensor. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach using a coumarin-rhodamine conjugate. The sensitivity of the construct to the clinically relevant ablation temperatures (20-85 °C) was demonstrated in vitro.

Bloodstain age analysis: toward solid state fluorescent lifetime measurements

One of the most pressing unsolved challenges in forensic science is the determination of time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains at crime scenes. Despite a number of high profile cases over the past couple hundred years involving controversy over TSD methods, no reliable quantitative method has been established. We present here an approach that has yet to be explored by forensic scientist: measuring the fluorescence lifetime of solid-state blood. Such a method would allow for on-site measurements of bloodstains utilizing the appropriate device, and would allow for rapid results returned in real-time to investigators.

Visualization of pulmonary clearance mechanisms via noninvasive optical imaging validated by near‐infrared flow cytometry

In vivo optical imaging with near‐infrared (NIR) probes is an established method of diagnostics in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the specificities of these probes are difficult to validate ex vivo due to the lack of NIR flow cytometry. To address this limitation, we modified a flow cytometer to include an additional NIR channel using a 752 nm laser line. The flow cytometry system was tested using NIR microspheres and cell lines labeled with a combination of visible range and NIR fluorescent dyes. The approach was verified in vivo in mice evaluated for immune response in lungs after intratracheal delivery of the NIR contrast agent. Flow cytometry of cells obtained from the lung bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated that the NIR dye was taken up by pulmonary macrophages as early as 4‐h post‐injection. This combination of optical imaging with NIR flow cytometry extends the capability of imaging and enables complementation of in vivo imaging with cell‐specific studies.

Multi-spectral analysis of animal tissues in the second NIR window based on endogenous chromophores

To minimize the problem with scattering in deep tissues while increasing the penetration depth, we explored the feasibility of imaging in the previously unexplored extended NIR (exNIR) spectral region at 900 - 1400 nm with endogenous chromophores. This region, also known as second NIR window, is weakly dominated by absorption of water and lipids and free from other endogenous chromophores, with virtually no autofluorescence. To demonstrate the applicability of the exNIR in bioimaging, we analyzed optical properties of individual components and animal organs using InGaAs spectrophotometer and a multispectral InGaAs scanning imager featuring in transmission geometry.