Advancements of Second Near-Infrared Biological Window Fluorophores: Mechanism, Synthesis, and Application In Vivo. In: Cheng Z, editor. Fluorescent Imaging in Medicinal Chemistry. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2020. pp. 81-123. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2019_89]

NIR-II Imaging and Sandwiched Plasmonic Biosensor for Ultrasensitive Intraoperative Definition of Tumor-Invaded Lymph Nodes

Radical lymphadenectomy remains the cornerstone of preventing tumor metastasis through the lymphatic system. Current surgical resection of lymph nodes (LNs) based on fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) suffers from low sensitivity/selectivity with only qualitative information, hampering accurate intraoperative decision-making. Herein, we develop a modularized theranostic system including NIR-II FGS and a sandwiched plasmonic chip (SPC). Intraoperative NIR-II FGS and detection of tumor-positive lymph nodes were performed on the gastric tumor to determine the feasibility of the modularized theranostic system in defining LN metastasis. Under the NIR-II imaging window, the orthotopic tumor and sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were successfully excised without ambient light interference in the operating room. Importantly, the SPC biosensor achieved 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for tumor markers and realized rapid and high-throughput intraoperative SLN detection. We propose the synergetic design of combining the NIR-II FGS and suitable biosensor will substantially improve the efficiency of cancer diagnosis and therapy follow-up.

Theragnostic nanomotors: Successes and upcoming challenges

The idea of "fantastic voyagers" carrying out medical tasks within the human body has existed as part of popular culture for many decades. The concept revolved around a miniaturized robot that can travel inside the human body and perform complicated functions such as surgery, navigation of otherwise inaccessible biological environments, and delivery of therapeutics. Since the last decade, significant developments have occurred in this arena that are yet to enter mainstream biomedical practises. Here, we define the challenges to make this fiction into reality. We begin by chalking the journey from pills, nanoparticles, and then to micro-nanomotors. The review describes the principles, physicochemical contexts, and advantages that micro-nanomotors provide. The article then describes micro-nanomotors' obstacles such as maneuverability, in vivo imaging, toxicity, and biodistribution. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.