Enhanced optical imaging and fluorescent labeling for visualizing drug molecules within living organisms

Small organic fluorophores with SWIR emission detectable beyond 1300 nm

3,6-Dimethylamino fluorenone was functionalized with substituents to achieve an absorption maximum at 1012 nm and emission >1300 nm. TD-DFT calculations confirmed that the substituent orbitals contribute to narrowing the HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Imaging with an InGaAs-based SWIR camera and various longpass filters confirmed detection >1300 nm.

Analysis of Personalized Cardiovascular Drug Therapy: From Monitoring Technologies to Data Integration and Future Perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases have long been a major challenge to human health, and the treatment differences caused by individual variability remain unresolved. In recent years, personalized cardiovascular drug therapy has attracted widespread attention. This paper reviews the strategies for achieving personalized cardiovascular drug therapy through traditional dynamic monitoring and multidimensional data integration and analysis. It focuses on key technologies for dynamic monitoring, dynamic monitoring based on individual differences, and multidimensional data integration and analysis. By systematically reviewing the relevant literature, the main challenges in current research and the proposed potential directions for future studies were summarized.

Novel Bioorthogonal Theranostic Scaffold Enables on-Target Drug Release and Real Time Monitoring In Vivo

Bioorthogonal chemistry-based prodrug strategy features spatiotemporally controlled release of therapeutic agent and/or imaging probe. However, the integration of diagnosis and therapy into a single molecule paired with a single bioorthogonal trigger remains a challenge. In this study, we devised a novel bioorthogonal theranostic scaffold amenable to the conjugation of various targeting agent and click-to-release reaction with the bioorthogonal prodrug to enable targeted drug liberation with concomitant fluorescence emission. Such one-stone-three-birds scaffold consists of a new fluorophore phenanthrodioxine (PDO) linked with a fluorescence masking group, tetrazine (Tz) which serves as a dual switch for the activation of fluorophore and drug. Further installation of a warhead of phenylboronic acid (PBA) ensures the targeted accumulation of the resultant PBA-PDO-Tz conjugate in tumor cells, thereby achieving on-demand activation of trans-cyclooctene-caged anticancer drug Doxorubicin with real-time monitoring and on-target cytotoxicity in live cells and an A549 xenograft mouse model. The targeted single trigger-dual response scaffold holds promise for precise theranostics applications in vivo.

Analysis of Drug Molecules in Living Cells

Cells are the fundamental units of life, comprising a highly concentrated and complex assembly of biomolecules that interact dynamic ally across spatial and temporal scales. Living cells are constantly undergoing dynamic processes, therefore, to understand the interactions between drug molecules and living cells is of paramount importance in the biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical development. Compared with traditional end-point assays and fixed cell analysis, analysis of drug molecules in living cells can provide more insight into the effects of drugs on cells in real-time and allowing for a better understanding of drug mechanisms and effects, which will contribute to the development of drug developing and testing and personalize medicine. However, the high demands of living cell analysis, including high costs, technical complexity, and throughput limitations, hinder the widespread application of this technology. In recent years, the rapid development of analytical methods such as Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence has made the in situ and real-time detection possible, allowing the analysis of single cell or cell populations at various conditions. In this review, we summarize the advanced analytical methods and technologies from last few years for drug detection in living cells.

Therapeutic Potential of Carbon Dots Derived from Phytochemicals as Nanozymes Exhibiting Superoxide Dismutase Activity for Anemia

Anemia is a potentially life-threatening blood disorder caused by an insufficient erythroblast volume in the circulatory system. Self-renewal failure of erythroblast progenitors is one of the key pathological factors leading to erythroblast deficiency. However, there are currently no effective drugs that selectively target this process. In this work, we present a carbon dot (CP-CDs) derived from phytochemicals that significantly promotes the self-renewal of erythroblast progenitors for anemia therapy. As a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like nanozyme, CP-CDs significantly activate the hypoxia response and JAK/STAT3 pathways in erythroid cells by reprogramming the oxidative stress state. This results in unique erythropoiesis-enhancing properties by promoting the generation of erythroid progenitor cells. Moreover, CP-CDs protect mature red blood cells by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced damage and improving the immune-inflammatory microenvironment. In vivo, CP-CDs showed a promising therapeutic effect in mouse and zebrafish models of anemia with minimal adverse effects, indicating significant translational medical value. Collectively, this study not only illustrates a successful approach for nanomedicine-enhanced anemia therapy but also enhances our understanding of the interaction between nanomedicine and the self-renewal of erythroblast progenitors.

Molecular probes for super-resolution imaging of drug dynamics

Super-resolution molecular probes (SRMPs) are essential tools for visualizing drug dynamics within cells, transcending the resolution limits of conventional microscopy. In this review, we provide an overview of the principles and design strategies of SRMPs, emphasizing their role in accurately tracking drug molecules. By illuminating the intricate processes of drug distribution, diffusion, uptake, and metabolism at a subcellular and molecular level, SRMPs offer crucial insights into therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we explore the practical applications of super-resolution imaging in disease treatment, highlighting the significance of SRMPs in advancing our understanding of drug action. Finally, we discuss future perspectives, envisioning potential advancements and innovations in this field. Overall, this review serves to inform and practitioners about the utility of SRMPs in driving innovation and progress in pharmacology, providing valuable insights for drug development and optimization.