Dual-Labelling Strategies for Nuclear and Fluorescence Molecular Imaging: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Molecular imaging offers the possibility to investigate biological and biochemical processes non-invasively and to obtain information on both anatomy and dysfunctions. Based on the data obtained, a fundamental understanding of various disease processes can be derived and treatment strategies can be planned. In this context, methods that combine several modalities in one probe are increasingly being used. Due to the comparably high sensitivity and provided complementary information, the combination of nuclear and optical probes has taken on a special significance. In this review article, dual-labelled systems for bimodal nuclear and optical imaging based on both modular ligands and nanomaterials are discussed. Particular attention is paid to radiometal-labelled molecules for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) and metal complexes combined with fluorescent dyes for optical imaging. The clinical potential of such probes, especially for fluorescence-guided surgery, is assessed.

A luminescent dicyanidonitridotechnetium(v) core with tridentate ligand coordination sites

A novel, luminescent technetium complex, [TcN(CN)2bpa] (bpa = bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine), with tridentate ligand coordination sites was synthesized and characterized. Photoemission with a maximum wavelength at 666 nm was observed in the solid-state at 296 K.

Optical and relaxometric properties of monometallic (EuIII, TbIII, GdIII) and heterobimetallic (ReI/GdIII) systems based on a functionalized bipyridine-containing acyclic ligand

The photophysical and relaxometric properties, in aqueous solution, of Ln-BPMNTA complexes and a derived Re^I/Gd^III dinuclear complex are reported in this paper.

Metal-carbonyl units for vibrational and luminescence imaging: towards multimodality

Metal-carbonyl complexes are attractive structures for bio-imaging. In addition to unique vibrational properties due to the CO moieties enabling IR and Raman cell imaging, the appropriate choice of ancillary ligands opens up the opportunity for luminescence detection. Through a classification by techniques, past and recent developments in the application of metal-carbonyl complexes for vibrational and luminescence bio-imaging are reviewed. Finally, their potential as bimodal IR and luminescent probes is addressed.

Complexes in context: attempting to control the cellular uptake and localisation of rhenium fac-tricarbonyl polypyridyl complexes

Transition metal lumophores are now well established as agents for cell imaging, but we are still not able to predict generally and with confidence their cellular localisation, or, for that matter, their uptake efficiencies. While many such complexes have been shown to illuminate cells, genuine applications in biomedical research will only be developed when their uptake and localisation are better understood. This perspective is not a comprehensive review of luminescence, but is an overview of attempts to control uptake and localisation, focussing on a personal account of this group's development of imaging agents based on the Re(CO)(3) bipyridine core, and our attempts to understand and control their cellular behaviour.