Dual-Modality Hafnium Oxide Nanocrystals for in Vivo Computed Tomography and Fluorescence Imaging of Sentinel Lymph Nodes

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01324
• Publication Date: 2023-10-30T19:17:57Z
• Authors: Loren Deblock; Benedicte Descamps; Ilia Goemaere; Eline Goossens; Glenn Vergauwen; Jens Debacker; Philippe Tummers; Katrien Remaut; Isabel Van Driessche; Klaartje De Buysser; Jonathan De Roo; Christian Vanhove
• Keywords: Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy

In the surgical treatment of breast cancer, primary tumor is removed together with sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Current clinical procedures involve radioactive compounds (exposing both patient and surgeon) blue dyes, which often induce long-lasting skin discoloration. Here, we demonstrate in vivo detection SLNs mice using X-ray computed tomography (CT) near-infrared fluorescence via a dual-modality imaging probe. CT contrast provided by hafnium oxide nanocrystals, stabilized physiological buffer custom designed nitrocatechol ligands. IRDye 800CW covalently attached to nanocrystal surface impart surgery-compatible high penetration depth. The well-controlled functionalization assessed 1H NMR spectroscopy, confirming tight binding During longitudinal study node successfully selectively detected modalities 15–30 min postinjection probe, allowing for preoperative SLN mapping intraoperative removal fluorescence-guided surgery. Our probe features correct lymphatic drainage while utilizing fast, economical, readily available infrastructure, without need nuclear medicine or staining molecules.