Molecularly targeted Lipo-JICG for in vivo quantitative photoacoustic imaging (Conference Presentation)

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a non-ionizing modality that provides high spatiotemporal resolution and resolves optical absorbers at depth, allowing for potential simultaneous therapy monitoring with quantitative molecular imaging. Liposome-encapsulated J-aggregates of indocyanine green (Lipo-JICG) are a PAI agent that can be antibody-targeted and provide high-contrast imaging. Mice with ovarian tumors were injected with either targeted or untargeted Lipo-JICGs and imaged on the MSOT inVision PAI system before injection and immediately, 30-min, and 1-hour post-injection. Lipo-JICG contrast in the tumor was statistically significantly higher in the targeted mice, indicating success in molecular targeting and unmixing accuracy of Lipo-JICGs in vivo.