Molecular Imaging in the Second Near‐Infrared Window

• Published in: Advanced functional materials 2019-06, Vol.29 (25), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Wan, Hao, Du, Haotian, Wang, Feifei, Dai, Hongjie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fluorescence; Imaging; Infrared windows; Kidney stones; Materials science; molecular imaging; near‐infrared; NIR‐II window; Progress reports; Temporal resolution
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201900566

In the past decade, noticeable progress has been achieved regarding fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window. Fluorescence imaging in the NIR‐II window demonstrates superiorities of deep tissue penetration and high spatial and temporal resolution, which are beneficial for profiling physiological processes. Meanwhile, molecular imaging has emerged as an efficient tool to decipher biological activities on the molecular and cellular level. Extending molecular imaging into the NIR‐II window would enhance the imaging performance, providing more detailed and accurate information of the biological system. In this progress report, selected achievements made in NIR‐II molecular imaging are summarized. The organization of this report is based on strategies underlying rational designs of NIR‐II imaging probes, and their applications in molecular imaging are highlighted. This progress report may provide guidance and reference for further development of functional NIR‐II probes designed for high‐performance molecular imaging. Molecular imaging enables visualization and understanding of physiological activities on the cellular and molecular level. The extension of the molecular imaging window into the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window can better fulfill requirements of clinical applications. In this progress report, recent advances of NIR‐II molecular imaging are summarized, providing insights for future development of NIR‐II molecular imaging.