OPTICAL FLUORESCENT IMAGING USING CYANINE DYES

摘要

Compounds of the formula (XXI): wherein Cat+ is a cation; r is an integer equal to 1, 2 or 3; X and Y are each independently O, S, Se, or (CH3)2C; an d R8 and R13 are each independently alkyl, L-R25 or L-B; wherein at least on e of R8 and R13 is L-B; R25 is a non-reactive functional group; L is a linke r; B is a ligand; n is O, 1, 2 or 3; R11 and R12 are each independently F, H , sulfonate, or together with the atoms to which they are bonded form an aro matic ring; and R16 and R17 are each independently H, sulfonato, or together with the atoms to which they are bonded form an aromatic ring, and methods are disclosed that are useful for noninvasive imaging in the near-infrared ( NIR) spectral range. The NIR is highly sensitive for tumor detection and tra cking. The application discloses targeting a tumor-enriched cell surface rec eptor with a ligand-conjugated fluorescent probe, which specifically allows detection of the tumor relative to the negligible animal autofluorescence.