title: The in vivo activation of persistent nanophosphors for optical imaging of vascularization, tumours and grafted cells.
abstract: Optical imaging for biological applications requires more sensitive tools. Near-infrared persistent luminescence nanoparticles enable highly sensitive in vivo optical detection and complete avoidance of tissue autofluorescence. However, the actual generation of persistent luminescence nanoparticles necessitates ex vivo activation before systemic administration, which prevents long-term imaging in living animals. Here, we introduce a new generation of optical nanoprobes, based on chromium-doped zinc gallate, whose persistent luminescence can be activated in vivo through living tissues using highly penetrating low-energy red photons. Surface functionalization of this photonic probe can be adjusted to favour multiple biomedical applications such as tumour targeting. Notably, we show that cells can endocytose these nanoparticles in vitro and that, after intravenous injection, we can track labelled cells in vivo and follow their biodistribution by a simple whole animal optical detection, opening new perspectives for cell therapy research and for a variety of diagnosis applications.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Maldiney
authors.forename: Aurélie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bessière
authors.forename: Johanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seguin
authors.forename: Eliott
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Teston
authors.forename: Suchinder K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Viana
authors.forename: Adrie J J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Bos
authors.forename: Pieter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dorenbos
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bessodes
authors.forename: Didier
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gourier
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scherman
authors.forename: Cyrille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Richard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D058948:Cell Tracking / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D010087:Oxides