Tissue-simulating phantoms for assessing potential near-infrared fluorescence imaging applications in breast cancer surgery

Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of a HER2-Specific ImmunoSCIFI Probe

Secondary Cerenkov-induced fluorescence imaging (SCIFI) is an emerging biomedical optical imaging modality that leverages Cerenkov luminescence, primarily generated by β-emitting radioisotopes, to excite fluorophores that offer near-infrared emissions with optimal tissue penetrance. Dual-functionalized immunoconjugates composed of an antibody, a near-infrared fluorophore, and a β-emitting radioisotope have potential utility as novel SCIFI constructs with high specificity for molecular biomarkers of disease. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-trastuzumab-BOD665, a self-excitatory HER2-specific "immunoSCIFI" probe capable of yielding near-infrared fluorescence in situ without external excitation. The penetration depth of the SCIFI signal was measured in hemoglobin-infused optical tissue phantoms that indicated a 2.05-fold increase compared to 89Zr-generated Cerenkov luminescence. Additionally, the binding specificity of the immunoSCIFI probe for HER2 was evaluated in a cellular assay that showed significantly higher binding to SKBR3 (high HER2 expression) relative to MDA-MB-468 (low HER2) breast cancer cells based on measurements of total flux in the near-infrared region with external excitation blocked. Taken together, the results of this study indicate the potential utility of immunoSCIFI constructs for interrogation of molecular biomarkers of disease.

Customizable optical tissue phantom platform for characterization of fluorescence imaging device sensitivity

Significance

Optical tissue phantoms serve as inanimate and stable reference materials used to calibrate, characterize, standardize, and test biomedical imaging instruments. Although various types of solid tissue phantoms have been described in the literature, current phantom models are limited in that they do not have a depth feature that can be adjusted in real-time, they cannot be adapted to other applications, and their fabrication can be laborious and costly.

Aim

Our goal was to develop an optical phantom that could assess the imaging performance of fluorescence imaging devices and be customizable for different applications.

Approach

We developed a phantom with three distinct components, each of which can be customized.

Results

We present a method for fabricating a solid optical tissue that contains (1) an adjustable depth capability using thin film phantoms, (2) a refillable chip loaded with fluorophores of the user's choice in various desired quantities, and (3) phantom materials representative of different tissue types.

Conclusions

This article describes the development of phantom models that are customizable, adaptable, and easy to design and fabricate.

Cell-Membrane Coated Nanoparticles for Tumor Delineation and Qualitative Estimation of Cancer Biomarkers at Single Wavelength Excitation in Murine and Phantom Models

Real-time guidance through fluorescence imaging improves the surgical outcomes of tumor resections, reducing the chances of leaving positive margins behind. As tumors are heterogeneous, it is imperative to interrogate multiple overexpressed cancer biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity to improve surgical outcomes. However, for accurate tumor delineation and ratiometric detection of tumor biomarkers, current methods require multiple excitation wavelengths to image multiple biomarkers, which is impractical in a clinical setting. Here, we have developed a biomimetic platform comprising near-infrared fluorescent semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) with red blood cell membrane (RBC) coating, capable of targeting two representative cell-surface biomarkers (folate, αυβ3 integrins) using a single excitation wavelength for tumor delineation during surgical interventions. We evaluate our single excitation ratiometric nanoparticles in in vitro tumor cells, ex vivo tumor-mimicking phantoms, and in vivo mouse xenograft tumor models. Favorable biological properties (improved biocompatibility, prolonged blood circulation, reduced liver uptake) are complemented by superior spectral features: (i) specific fluorescence enhancement in tumor regions with high tumor-to-normal tissue (T/NT) ratios in ex vivo samples and (ii) estimation of cell-surface tumor biomarkers with single wavelength excitation providing insights about cancer progression (metastases). Our single excitation, dual output approach has the potential to differentiate between the tumor and healthy regions and simultaneously provide a qualitative indicator of cancer progression, thereby guiding surgeons in the operating room with the resection process.

Biomimetic tissue phantoms for neurosurgical near-infrared fluorescence imaging

SIGNIFICANCE

Neurosurgical fluorescence imaging is a well-established clinical approach with a growing range of indications for use. However, this technology lacks effective phantom-based tools for development, performance testing, and clinician training.

AIM

Our primary aim was to develop and evaluate 3D-printed phantoms capable of optically and morphologically simulating neurovasculature under fluorescence angiography.

APPROACH

Volumetric digital maps of the circle of Willis with basilar and posterior communicator artery aneurysms, along with surrounding cerebral tissue, were generated. Phantoms were fabricated with a stereolithography printer using custom photopolymer composites, then visualized under white light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

RESULTS

Feature sizes of printed components were found to be within 13% of digital models. Phantoms exhibited realistic optical properties and convincingly recapitulated fluorescence angiography scenes.

CONCLUSIONS

Methods identified in this study can facilitate the development of realistic phantoms as powerful new tools for fluorescence imaging.

Glutathione-capped gold nanoclusters as near-infrared-emitting efficient contrast agents for confocal fluorescence imaging of tissue-mimicking phantoms

An innovative research has been conducted focused on demonstrating the ability of novel dual-emissive glutathione-stabilized gold nanoclusters (GSH-AuNCs) to perform bright near-infrared (NIR)-emitting contrast agents inside tissue-mimicking agarose-phantoms via two complementary confocal fluorescence imaging techniques. First, using a new and fast microwave-assisted approach, we synthesized photostable dual-emitting GSH-AuNCs with an average size of 3.2 ± 0.4 nm and NIR emission quantum yield of 9.9%. Steady-state fluorescence measurements coupled with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) assays performed on lyophilized GSH-AuNCs revealed that the obtained GSH-AuNCs exhibit PL emissions at 610 nm (red PL) and, respectively, 800 nm (NIR PL) in both solution and powder solid-state. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements showed that the two PL components are characterized by average lifetimes of 407 ns (red PL) and 1821 ns (NIR PL), respectively. Additionally, due to a partial overlap between the red PL and the absorption of the NIR PL, an energy transfer between the two coexisting emissive centers was discovered and confirmed via steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Furthermore, the FLIM analysis performed on powder GSH-AuNCs under 640 nm, an excitation more suitable for bioimaging applications, revealed a homogeneous and photostable NIR PL signal from GSH-AuNCs. Finally, the ability of GSH-AuNCs to operate as reliable NIR-emitting contrast agents inside tissue-mimicking agarose-phantoms was demonstrated here for the first time via complementary FLIM and re-scan confocal fluorescence imaging techniques. In consequence, GSH-AuNCs show great promise for future in vivo imaging applications via confocal fluorescence microscopy.

Criteria for the design of tissue-mimicking phantoms for the standardization of biophotonic instrumentation

A lack of accepted standards and standardized phantoms suitable for the technical validation of biophotonic instrumentation hinders the reliability and reproducibility of its experimental outputs. In this Perspective, we discuss general criteria for the design of tissue-mimicking biophotonic phantoms, and use these criteria and state-of-the-art developments to critically review the literature on phantom materials and on the fabrication of phantoms. By focusing on representative examples of standardization in diffuse optical imaging and spectroscopy, fluorescence-guided surgery and photoacoustic imaging, we identify unmet needs in the development of phantoms and a set of criteria (leveraging characterization, collaboration, communication and commitment) for the standardization of biophotonic instrumentation.

Near-Infrared Emitting Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers with an Anthraquinone Core toward Versatile Non-Invasive Biological Imaging

Today, there is a very strong demand for versatile near-infrared (NIR) imaging agents suitable for non-invasive optical imaging in living organisms (in vivo imaging). Here, we created a family of NIR-emitting macromolecules that take advantage of the unique structure of dendrimers. In contrast to existing fluorescent dendrimers bearing fluorophores at their periphery or in their cavities, a NIR fluorescent structure is incorporated into the core of the dendrimer. Using the poly(amidoamine) dendrimer structure, we want to promote the biocompatibility of the NIR-emissive system and to have functional groups available at the periphery to obtain specific biological functionalities such as the ability to deliver drugs or for targeting a biological location. We report here the divergent synthesis and characterization by NMR and mass spectrometries of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers derived from the fluorescent NIR-emitting anthraquinone core (AQ-PAMAF). AQ-PAMAFs ranging from the generation -0.5 up to 3 were synthesized with a good level of control resulting in homogeneous and complete dendrimers. Absorption, excitation, and emission spectra, as well as quantum yields, of AQ-PAMAFs have been determined in aqueous solutions and compared with the corresponding properties of the AQ-core. It has been demonstrated that the absorption bands of AQ-PAMAFs range from UV to 750 nm while emission is observed in the range of 650-950 nm. Fluorescence macroscopy experiments confirmed that the NIR signal of AQ-PAMAFs can be detected with a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio in aqueous solution, in blood, and through 1 mm thick tissue-mimicking phantom. The results show that our approach is highly promising for the design of an unprecedented generation of versatile NIR-emitting agents.

Intrinsic Photoluminescence of Solid-State Gold Nanoclusters: Towards Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Tissue-Like Phantoms Under Two-Photon Near-Infrared Excitation

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have attracted extensive attention as light-emissive materials with unique advantages such as high photostability, large Stoke shifts and low toxicity. However, a better understanding of their solid-state photoluminescence properties is still needed. Herein, we investigated for the first time the intrinsic photoluminescence properties of lyophilized bovine serum albumin stabilized AuNCs (BSA-AuNCs) via fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) studies performed under both one and two photon excitations (OPE and TPE) on individual microflakes, combined with fluorescence spectroscopic investigations. Both in solution and solid-state, the synthesized BSA-AuNCs exhibit photoluminescence in the first biological window with an absolute quantum yield of 6% and high photostability under continuous irradiation. Moreover, under both OPE and TPE conditions, solid BSA-AuNCs samples exhibited a low degree of photobleaching, while FLIM assays prove the homogeneous distribution of the photoluminescence signal inside the microflakes. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of BSA-AuNCs to perform as reliable bright and photostable contrast agents for the visualization of cancer tissue mimicking agarose-phantoms using FLIM approach under non-invasive TPE. Therefore, our results emphasize the great potential of the as synthesized BSA-AuNCs for ex vivo and in vivo non-invasive NIR imaging applications.

A sensitive near infrared to near-infrared luminescence nanothermometer based on triple doped Ln -Y2O3

In recent years, luminescence nanothermometers with near infrared light (NIR) emission excited in the NIR range have attracted much attention due to their potential in bio applications. Here, we propose a new nanothermometer based on triple doped 1%Ho, 1%Er, 1%Yb - Y₂O₃ that operates in the second and third biological windows around 1200 and 1530 nm under pulsed excitation at 905 nm. The NIR emissions were analysed in the temperature range of 298-473 K in terms of intensity, shape and dynamics. The nanothermometer performances were described using the luminescent intensity ratio (LIR) corresponding to the ⁵I₆-⁵I₈ and ⁴I_13/2-⁴I_15/2 emissions transitions of Ho and Er, respectively. A maximum relative sensitivity of 1.5% K^-1 was achieved at 309 K, which is among the highest five values reported so far for the NIR to NIR downconversion nanothermometers. The thermometer performance for biological application was assessed in terms of nanothermometer reliability and stability as well as emission shape changes induced by water and custom designed optical phantoms. Combination between use of pulsed excitation and identification of Ln doping configuration offering both excitation and emission in the biological windows represent a solid approach that can be easily translated to other hosts to develop a new class of near infrared nanothermometers.

Setting Standards for Reporting and Quantification in Fluorescence-Guided Surgery

PURPOSE

Intraoperative fluorescence imaging (FI) is a promising technique that could potentially guide oncologic surgeons toward more radical resections and thus improve clinical outcome. Despite the increase in the number of clinical trials, fluorescent agents and imaging systems for intraoperative FI, a standardized approach for imaging system performance assessment and post-acquisition image analysis is currently unavailable.

PROCEDURES

We conducted a systematic, controlled comparison between two commercially available imaging systems using a novel calibration device for FI systems and various fluorescent agents. In addition, we analyzed fluorescence images from previous studies to evaluate signal-to-background ratio (SBR) and determinants of SBR.

RESULTS

Using the calibration device, imaging system performance could be quantified and compared, exposing relevant differences in sensitivity. Image analysis demonstrated a profound influence of background noise and the selection of the background on SBR.

CONCLUSIONS

In this article, we suggest clear approaches for the quantification of imaging system performance assessment and post-acquisition image analysis, attempting to set new standards in the field of FI.

Discovering new 3D bioprinting applications: Analyzing the case of optical tissue phantoms

Optical tissue phantoms enable to mimic the optical properties of biological tissues for biomedical device calibration, new equipment validation, and clinical training for the detection, and treatment of diseases. Unfortunately, current methods for their development present some problems, such as a lack of repeatability in their optical properties. Where the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing or 3D bioprinting could address these issues. This paper aims to evaluate the use of this technology in the development of optical tissue phantoms. A competitive technology intelligence methodology was applied by analyzing Scopus, Web of Science, and patents from January 1, 2000, to July 31, 2018. The main trends regarding methods, materials, and uses, as well as predominant countries, institutions, and journals, were determined. The results revealed that, while 3D printing is already employed (in total, 108 scientific papers and 18 patent families were identified), 3D bioprinting is not yet applied for optical tissue phantoms. Nevertheless, it is expected to have significant growth. This research gives biomedical scientists a new window of opportunity for exploring the use of 3D bioprinting in a new area that may support testing of new equipment and development of techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Pre-clinical Evaluation of a Cyanine-Based SPECT Probe for Multimodal Tumor Necrosis Imaging

PURPOSE

Recently we showed that a number of carboxylated near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) cyanine dyes possess strong necrosis avid properties in vitro as well as in different mouse models of spontaneous and therapy-induced tumor necrosis, indicating their potential use for cancer diagnostic- and prognostic purposes. In the previous study, the detection of the cyanines was achieved by whole body optical imaging, a technique that, due to the limited penetration of near-infrared light, is not suitable for investigations deeper than 1 cm within the human body. Therefore, in order to facilitate clinical translation, the purpose of the present study was to generate a necrosis avid cyanine-based NIRF probe that could also be used for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). For this, the necrosis avid NIRF cyanine HQ4 was radiolabeled with ¹¹¹indium, via the chelate diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA).

PROCEDURES

The necrosis avid properties of the radiotracer [¹¹¹In]DTPA-HQ4 were examined in vitro and in vivo in different breast tumor models in mice using SPECT and optical imaging. Moreover, biodistribution studies were performed to examine the pharmacokinetics of the probe in vivo.

RESULTS

Using optical imaging and radioactivity measurements, in vitro, we showed selective accumulation of [¹¹¹In]DTPA-HQ4 in dead cells. Using SPECT and in biodistribution studies, the necrosis avidity of the radiotracer was confirmed in a 4T1 mouse breast cancer model of spontaneous tumor necrosis and in a MCF-7 human breast cancer model of chemotherapy-induced tumor necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiotracer [¹¹¹In]DTPA-HQ4 possessed strong and selective necrosis avidity in vitro and in various mouse models of tumor necrosis in vivo, indicating its potential to be clinically applied for diagnostic purposes and to monitor anti-cancer treatment efficacy.