Fluorescence imaging has emerged as a valuable tool for clinical angiographic and cardiovascular imaging, allowing for visualization and quantification of biological processes. Among the range of fluorescence imaging windows, near-infrared (NIR) imaging has shown great promise as a non-invasive modality for angiographic and cardiovascular imaging. To overcome limitations associated with indocyanine green dye (ICG), we developed a biocompatible DNA-based platform for conjugation with ICG dyes and targeting moieties. The primary objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy of the DNA-ICG platform for contrast-enhanced NIR-II (>1250 nm) fluorescence imaging in a mouse model. Throughout the experiment, various organs were observed, including the heart, liver, spleen, caecum, and intestines. Notably, vascular structures in the tail, spinal column, and head remained visible for hours after the administration of the contrast agent. The DNA-ICG platform holds promise as an effective imaging tool for angiographic and cardiovascular studies.
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