Shortwave Infrared Fluorescent Agent for Deep Tissue Bioimaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fluorescence intensity of indocyanine green (ICG) in the shortwave infrared region is low, making it difficult to clearly visualize microstructures deeper than 1 cm from the surface of a living body in bioimaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A compound represented by a specific formula, which includes a reactive crosslinking group that can bond with a molecular recognition agent, is synthesized and used to create a shortwave infrared fluorescent agent, enhancing fluorescence intensity in the 900 nm to 1400 nm wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If ICG is used as a fluorescent agent for shortwave infrared bioimaging, then the imaging depth can reach deeper tissues, but the fluorescence intensity becomes insufficient for clear visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of ICG by changing the substituents on the indole rings (parameters n, R1-R6) to optimize the fluorescence emission wavelength and intensity in the shortwave infrared region (900-1400 nm), thereby achieving both deep tissue penetration and sufficient signal intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite fluorescent agents by combining ICG with various substituents and crosslinking agents to form new compounds with enhanced fluorescence properties, effectively combining the deep penetration capability of ICG with improved emission intensity through molecular modification
2Length of stationary object
If near-infrared light is used for bioimaging, then the fluorescent agent can penetrate tissues, but the light is easily scattered and absorbed reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the fluorescence emission wavelength from conventional near-infrared (700-900 nm) to shortwave infrared (900-1400 nm) by modifying the molecular structure of ICG, exploiting the optical window in tissue where scattering and absorption are minimized, thereby achieving deeper penetration with reduced interference
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compound enables effective shortwave infrared bioimaging by providing sufficient fluorescence intensity for imaging deeper tissues with reduced light absorption and scattering by biological tissues, allowing for clearer visualization of microstructures.
Implementation Method 1
a compound which emits shortwave infrared light having a wavelength of 900 nm to 1400 nm
Implementation Method 2
X represents a salt of a sulfonic acid group or a reactive crosslinking group with respect to a molecular recognition agent
Data Source
AI summary
A novel compound that enables shortwave infrared bioimaging is provided. A compound in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is represented by a formula (1) below. In the formula (1), n represents an integer of 3 to 5, X represents a salt of a sulfonic acid group or a reactive crosslinking group with respect to a molecular recognition agent.