Fluorescence bioimaging utilizing the near infrared-II (NIR-II; 1000 – 1700 nm) window, also named shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging, exhibits superior penetration depth and signal-to-noise ratio compared to NIR-I imaging. We synthesized and characterized multiple lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide (PbS/CdS) core/shell quantum dots (QDs) with distinct, monodisperse size distributions, narrow emission, high quantum yield, and photostability for use in multiplexed NIR-II imaging. Following micelle encapsulation, the QDs are water-soluble, stably dispersed, and functionalized for easy click chemistry conjugation with targeting moieties. In vivo mice imaging with IV injected QDs showed very strong and distinctive signals for multiplexed imaging.
|