Super-resolution fluorescence nanoscopy applied to imaging core-shell photoswitching nanoparticles and their self-assemblies

Using photo-actuated unimolecular logical switching attained reconstruction (PULSAR) nanoscopy, the structures of photoswitchable polymeric nanoparticles self-assembled on the surfaces of CaCl(2) crystals at the nanoscale were revealed; the photoswitching events and the locations of the photoswitchable fluorescent dyes inside the hydrophobic cores of the core-shell type polymeric nanoparticles were determined.     

分子影像探针

分子影像是近年出现并迅速发展的一个生物医学领域,在疾病的治疗与诊断中发挥着重要作用。同时它又是一门交叉学科,涉及化学、医学、生物、计算机科学、放射科学、材料科学等。分子影像的发展除了需要先进的成像设备外,最关键的是合成新型而高效的成像探针。目前,分子影像探针广泛应用于科学研究和临床,并且也取得了巨大进步。本文主要综述了5种常见的分子影像探针:超声成像探针、X-射线计算机断层成像探针、光学成像探针、核磁共振成像探针、正电子发射计算机断层扫描成像探针,并对分子影像探针的应用进行了概述,最后对分子影像探针的发展进行了展望。     

In situ Activatable Peptide-based Nanoprobes for Tumor Imaging

Owing to its excellent biological properties, peptide has been widely used in the design of nanoprobes capable of enhancing tumor imaging signals. In recent years, a number of peptide-based nanoprobes with strong loading capacity and great biocompatibility have been developed for precision tumor imaging by coupling peptide motifs with different imaging agents. It is worth noting that, compared with "always on" mode, the use of stimulus-mediated in situ activatable mode to design and control the self-assembly or nanostructure transformation of peptide-based nanoprobes in vivo can achieve the significant improvement of imaging efficiency. Herein, we summarize the recent progress of in situ activatable peptide-based nanoprobes for tumor imaging in diverse imaging modes, including magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), fluorescence imaging(FI), photoacoustic imaging(PAI), radionuclide imaging(RI) and multimodal imaging. Finally, we briefly prospect the challenges and potential development directions of this field.     

同步辐射X射线成像技术在脑成像研究中的应用

脑疾病的诊疗、 探索高级脑功能机制和理解意识本源对脑科学研究具有重要意义. 成像技术在阐明脑科学神经系统结构和功能中发挥了重要作用. 迄今, 核磁共振成像、 光学成像和电子显微镜成像技术已为脑科学研究提供了强有力的手段, 取得了突出的进展. 同步辐射X射线显微成像技术具有高分辨率、 快成像速度和高穿透深度等优点, 是一类与已有技术互补的新型脑成像技术. 本文介绍了核磁共振波谱、 光学显微镜和电子显微镜等成像方法在脑成像领域中的应用, 重点阐述了同步辐射X射线成像的优势以及在脑结构成像和功能成像中的应用. 在此基础上, 展望了同步辐射X射线成像应用于脑科学研究的未来发展方向, 讨论了该技术在绘制人脑联接图谱中的优势及可行性.     

用于小动物活体的荧光-光热双模成像系统

报道了一种小动物活体荧光-光热双模成像系统, 其兼具荧光成像和热成像双功能, 具有成像灵敏度高、 采集速度快(≤51 frame/s)、 组织穿透深度大(近红外荧光成像时可达10 mm)以及0.1 ℃的热成像分辨率. 该系统不但能够实现小动物皮下肿瘤和深层组织/器官的荧光成像, 同时集成了热成像, 可实时监测光热治疗中的温度变化以及药物的控制释放过程, 有助于实现精准治疗.     

X射线成像技术在能源材料研究中的应用

随着人类对可持续能源的需求不断增长,先进的表征方法在能源材料研究等领域变得越来越重要。借助X射线成像技术,我们可以从二维和三维角度实时获取能源材料的形貌、结构和应力变化信息。此外,借助高穿透性X射线和高亮度同步辐射源,设计原位实验,可以获取充放电过程中样品的定性和定量变化信息。本文综述了基于同步加速器的X射线成像技术及其相关应用,讨论了包括X射线投影成像、透射式X射线显微成像、扫描透射X射线显微成像、X射线荧光显微成像以及相干衍射成像等几种主要的X射线成像技术在能源材料研究领域的应用,展望了未来X射线成像的应用前景及发展方向。     

单细胞成像分析研究进展

本文综述了近年来单细胞成像分析方法的研究进展。重点讨论了图像细胞光度测量、荧光显微成像、红外(近红外)与拉曼显微成像、磁共振成像和扫描探针显微镜成像等技术,并展望了单细胞成像的发展前景。     

基于聚集诱导发光荧光探针的细胞成像研究进展

荧光探针是化学传感技术领域在20世纪末的一项重大发现,具有合成简单、灵敏度高、选择性好、响应时间短、可视化高等优点。 将具有聚集诱导发光现象(AIE)特征的荧光基团与具有生物相容性的高分子结合起来,使得荧光材料具有毒性低、光稳定性好、生物相容性好等特点。 在分子、离子检测和细胞成像技术中得到广泛的研究和应用。 本文综述了细胞质成像、细胞膜成像、线粒体成像、溶酶体成像、脂滴成像、细胞核成像、细胞核和线粒体双靶向性成像的荧光探针,并对其应用前景做了展望。     

Correlated atomic force microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging of live bacterial cells

We report on imaging living bacterial cells by using a correlated tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). For optimal imaging of Gram-negative Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells, we explored different methods of bacterial sample preparation, such as spreading the cells on poly-L-lysine coated surfaces or agarose gel coated surfaces. We have found that the agarose gel containing 99% ammonium acetate buffer can provide sufficient local aqueous environment for single bacterial cells. Furthermore, the cell surface topography can be characterized by tapping-mode in-air AFM imaging for the single bacterial cells that are partially embedded. Using in-air rather than under-water AFM imaging of the living cells significantly enhanced the contrast and signal-to-noise ratio of the AFM images. Near-field AFM-tip-enhanced fluorescence lifetime imaging (AFM-FLIM) holds high promise on obtaining fluorescence images beyond optical diffraction limited spatial resolution. We have previously demonstrated near-field AFM-FLIM imaging of polymer beads beyond diffraction limited spatial resolution. Here, as the first step of applying AFM-FLIM on imaging bacterial living cells, we demonstrated a correlated and consecutive AFM topographic imaging, fluorescence intensity imaging, and FLIM imaging of living bacterial cells to characterize cell polarity.     

Introduction to Infrared and Raman-Based Biomedical Molecular Imaging and Comparison with Other Modalities

Molecular imaging has rapidly developed to answer the need of image contrast in medical diagnostic imaging to go beyond morphological information to include functional differences in imaged tissues at the cellular and molecular levels. Vibrational (infrared (IR) and Raman) imaging has rapidly emerged among the molecular imaging modalities available, due to its label-free combination of high spatial resolution with chemical specificity. This article presents the physical basis of vibrational spectroscopy and imaging, followed by illustration of their preclinical in vitro applications in body fluids and cells, ex vivo tissues and in vivo small animals and ending with a brief discussion of their clinical translation. After comparing the advantages and disadvantages of IR/Raman imaging with the other main modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography/single-photon emission-computed tomography (PET/SPECT), ultrasound (US) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), the design of multimodal probes combining vibrational imaging with other modalities is discussed, illustrated by some preclinical proof-of-concept examples.     

Mass spectrometry imaging for biomedical applications

The development of technologies for mass spectrometry imaging is of substantial research interest. Mass spectrometry is potentially capable of providing highly specific information about the distribution of compounds in tissues, with high sensitivity. The in-situ analysis needed for tissue imaging requires MS to be performed under conditions different from the traditional ones, typically with intensive sample preparation and optimized for pharmaceutical applications. In this paper we critically review the current status of MS imaging with different methods of sample ionization and discuss the 3D and quantitative imaging capabilities which need further development, the importance of the multi-modal imaging, and the balance between the pursuit of high-resolution imaging and the practical application of MS imaging in biomedicine.     

Review of Long-Wavelength Optical and NIR Imaging Materials: Contrast Agents, Fluorophores and Multifunctional Nano Carriers

The importance of long wavelength and near infra-red (NIR) imaging has dramatically increased due to the desire to perform whole animal and deep tissue imaging. The adoption of NIR imaging is also growing rapidly due to the availability of targeted biological agents for diagnosis and basic medical research that can be imaged in vivo. The wavelength range of 650-1450 nm falls in the region of the spectrum with the lowest absorption in tissue and therefore enables the deepest tissue penetration. This is the wavelength range we focus on with this review. To operate effectively the imaging agents must both be excited and must emit in this long-wavelength window. We review the agents used both for imaging by absorption, scattering, and excitation (such as fluorescence). Imaging agents comprise both aqueous soluble and insoluble species, both organic and inorganic, and unimolecular and supramolecular constructs. The interest in multi-modal imaging, which involves delivery of actives, targeting, and imaging, requires nanocarriers or supramolecular assemblies. Nanoparticles for diagnostics also have advantages in increasing circulation time and increased imaging brightness relative to single molecule imaging agents. This has led to rapid advances in nanocarriers for long-wavelength, NIR imaging.     

Molecular Design of d-Luciferin-Based Bioluminescence and 1,2-Dioxetane-Based Chemiluminescence Substrates for Altered Output Wavelength and Detecting Various Molecules

Optical imaging including fluorescence and luminescence is the most popular method for the in vivo imaging in mice. Luminescence imaging is considered to be superior to fluorescence imaging due to the lack of both autofluorescence and the scattering of excitation light. To date, various luciferin analogs and bioluminescence probes have been developed for deep tissue and molecular imaging. Recently, chemiluminescence probes have been developed based on a 1,2-dioxetane scaffold. In this review, the accumulated findings of numerous studies and the design strategies of bioluminescence and chemiluminescence imaging reagents are summarized.     

Correlated Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry-Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Imaging for Single Cell-Principles and Applications

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) as a powerful surface analysis technique has been widely applied in semiconductor industry and geology research. Recently, with the development of instrumental technology, SIMS is attracting more and more attention in life sciences. SIMS can provide surface MS spectra, 2D/3D chemical images and depth profiling of substances simultaneously. The minimal lateral resolution of 2D SIMS imaging is 80–100 nm, and the longitudinal resolution of 3D SIMS imaging is about 1–5 nm. However, owing to lack of specific ions to render the structures of organelles, SIMS imaging for single cells still have great challenges. Optical microscopy, in particular laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), has been emerged to be an indispensable technique for single cell imaging and can obtain high spatial 2D/3D imaging to visualize the structures of organelles. Thus, the combinational use of SIMS and LSCM, which takes advantages of SIMS for molecular imaging and LSCM for morphological imaging, has greatly extended the application of SIMS imaging and ensured its accuracy at single cells level, providing novel insights into better understanding of the biological events inside cells. In this review, we focus on the development and application of SIMS imaging and the correlated SIMS and LSCM imaging in the research of cell biology and drug discovery. We anticipate that the combinational use of SIMS and LSCM imaging has promising future in biomedicine and life sciences.     

Emerging applications of near-infrared fluorescent metal nanoclusters for biological imaging

Recent advances in the development of near-infrared fluorescent metal nanoclusters for bioimaging applications have been thoroughly overviewed.     

Highly lipophilic coumarin fluorophore with excimer-monomer transition property for lipid droplet imaging

Lipid droplet (LD) fluorescent imaging plays an important role in the detection of lipid-related diseases. Due to their poor photostability and low hydrophobicity of currently available LD imaging fluorophores, LD imaging is limited by its short imaging period and low imaging contrast. Herein, we reasonably designed a highly lipophilic compound Cou-Flu with excellent photostability and excimer-monomer transition property. It exhibited weak excimer emission in cytoplasm, but strong monomer emission in LDs, enabling high contrast LD imaging and LD movement tracing in cells. Zebrafish imaging study demonstrated that Cou-Flu was also suitable for in vivo LD detection with excellent sensitivity. We anticipate that Cou-Flu could be widely applied to understand LD-related intracellular activities and even LD-related diseases in the future.     

Near-infrared fluorescent molecular probes for imaging and diagnosis of nephro-urological diseases

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has improved imaging depth relative to conventional fluorescence imaging in the visible region, demonstrating great potential in both fundamental biomedical research and clinical practice. To improve the detection specificity, NIR fluorescence imaging probes have been under extensive development. This review summarizes the particular application of optical imaging probes with the NIR-I window (700–900 nm) or the NIR-II window (1000–1700 nm) emission for diagnosis of nephron-urological diseases. These molecular probes have enabled contrast-enhanced imaging of anatomical structures and physiological function as well as molecular imaging and early diagnosis of acute kidney injury, iatrogenic ureteral injury and bladder cancer. The design strategies of molecular probes are specifically elaborated along with representative imaging applications. The potential challenges and perspectives in this field are also discussed.

Near-infrared fluorescent molecular probes with improved imaging depth and optimized biodistribution have been reviewed, showing great potential for diagnosis of nephro-urological diseases.     

细菌感染成像的研究进展

由致病菌或条件致病菌侵入机体繁殖而产生的毒素和其它代谢产物所引起的感染性疾病是目前全球范围内的主要死亡原因之一. 感染性疾病的早期诊断是对其进行有效治疗与控制的重要途径. 分子影像技术的快速发展给体内细菌感染的评估带来了前所未有的变化和机遇. 本文综合评述了计算机断层扫描、 正电子发射断层扫描、 超声成像、 磁共振成像、 荧光成像及光声成像等成像方式在细菌感染体内成像中的研究进展、 不足和发展方向等, 以期为活体细菌感染检测方法的发展提供参考.     

What you can see by developing real-time radioisotope imaging system for plants: from water to element and CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> gas imaging

Since plants live on inorganic elements, absorbing ions from roots and transferring them to each tissue in a plant is an essential activity. However, little is known about the movement of the elements or water in plant tissue. Though fluorescent imaging is now overwhelmingly used at the microscopic level in biology, especially to visualize chemicals or organelles in a cell, radioisotope imaging has become one of the important methods for human imaging in the medical field. In the case of plant studies, however, real-time radioisotope imaging is little-known among plant researchers. The author has developed radioisotope imaging systems using various radioisotopes to study living plant activity, both for elements and for water. Here we review the real-time radioisotope imaging methods we developed, and show new aspects of plant physiology discovered by live imaging.     

Comparison of scanning ion conductance microscopy with atomic force microscopy for cell imaging

We present the first direct comparison of scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) with atomic force microscopy (AFM) for cell imaging. By imaging the same fibroblast or myoblast cell with both technologies in series, we highlight their advantages and disadvantages with respect to cell imaging. The finite imaging force applied to the sample in AFM imaging results in a coupling of mechanical sample properties into the measured sample topography. For soft samples such as cells this leads to artifacts in the measured topography and to elastic deformation, which we demonstrate by imaging whole fixed cells and cell extensions at high resolution. SICM imaging, on the other hand, has a noncontact character and can provide the true topography of soft samples at a comparable resolution.