Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, Volume. 18, Issue 3, 2541003(2025)

Near-infrared Aza-BODIPY nanoparticles based on D-A-D structure for bioimaging

Haitao Liao1, Qingxuan Meng2, Yuhao Li2、*, Senqiang Zhu1、**, Rui Liu1、***, and Hongjun Zhu1
Author Affiliations
  • 1School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
  • 2School of Materials and Chemistry, Institute of Bismuth Science, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Energy Therapy for Tumors, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
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    Optical imaging in vivo holds significant implications for disease diagnosis, and nanoprobes with near-infrared (NIR) emission leverage the deep tissue penetration and high spatiotemporal resolution provided by NIR light, demonstrating considerable application potential. This study presents the design and synthesis of three nitrogen-doped boron–dipyrrin (Aza-BODIPY) molecules: Aza–BDP–OCH3, Aza–BDP–OH, and Aza–BDP-I. Leveraging the strong electron-accepting properties of the Aza-BODIPY core, we developed a donor–acceptor–donor (D-A-D) structure for Aza–BDP–OCH3 through modifications with triphenylamine and methoxy groups, resulting in NIR fluorescence. Aza–BDP–OH was obtained via demethylation using boron tribromide, whereas Aza–BDP-I was synthesized by introducing iodine into Aza–BDP–OCH3. These three molecules self-assemble with the amphiphilic polymer PMHC18-mPEG to form nanoparticles (NPs), yielding optical nanoprobes. The resulting NPs exhibit NIR emission, good water solubility, and biocompatibility. At a concentration of 100 μgmL1, these NPs demonstrate low biological toxicity, highlighting their potential for biological applications. Following tail vein injection, Aza–BDP-I NPs accumulate in tumors and effectively illuminate them via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Furthermore, these organic NPs were metabolized by the liver. Therefore, Aza-BODIPY-based NIR fluorescent NPs offer a promising platform for the development of in vivo optical nanoprobes.

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    Haitao Liao, Qingxuan Meng, Yuhao Li, Senqiang Zhu, Rui Liu, Hongjun Zhu. Near-infrared Aza-BODIPY nanoparticles based on D-A-D structure for bioimaging[J]. Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, 2025, 18(3): 2541003

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    Paper Information

    Category: Research Articles

    Received: Oct. 29, 2024

    Accepted: Jan. 12, 2025

    Published Online: Jun. 18, 2025

    The Author Email: Yuhao Li (yhli@usst.edu.cn), Senqiang Zhu (zhusenqiang1993@njtech.edu.cn), Rui Liu (rui.liu@njtech.edu.cn)

    DOI:10.1142/S1793545825410032

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