In vivo dynamic visualization and evaluation of collagen degradation utilizing NIR-II fluorescence imaging in mice models

• DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbaf025
• Publication Date: 2025-04-12T02:13:56Z
• Authors: Shunyao Li; Kai Xu; Huaixuan Sheng; Huizhu Li; Xiao Zhang; Chengxuan Yu; Haichen Hu; Xiner Du; Yunxia Li; Yu Dong; Jun Chen; Sijia Feng
• Keywords: Degradation; Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy

Abstract Collagen-based biomaterials are gaining prominence in tissue engineering, attributed to their remarkable biocompatibility, inherent biodegradability, and unparalleled capacity facilitate repair regeneration. However, the ability dynamically visualize quantitatively assess collagen degradation vivo remains a critical challenge, hindering development of optimized for clinical applications. To address this, novel approach was developed monitor injury microenvironment by conjugating second near-infrared (NIR-II) quantum dots (QDs) with solid collagen. This live imaging system offered high-resolution, real-time tracking both vitro vivo, enabling deeper understanding behavior under various conditions. applied mice models different cartilage defects, including critical-sized defects (CSD), minor decfect (Minor) sham surgery (Sham) groups 28-day monitoring. Among them, CSD group exhibited fastest most stable degradation, indicating that rate closely linked severity injury. Transcriptomic analysis further identified key signaling pathways might drive rapid promoting collagenase activity remodeling defect In summary, our study provided valuable insights into mechanisms conditions, contributing innovative strategies designing collagen-related future.