Development of small-molecule imaging probes for in vivo imaging: design and synthesis of near-infrared fluorescent probes and MRI contrast agents

Abstract

Fluorescence imaging is one of the most powerful techniques for visualization of the temporal and spatial biological events in living cells, and fluorescent probes are also highly useful for fluorescence imaging. The light in near-infrared (NIR) region is recently paid much attention because of its high tissue penetration and low autofluorescence. In this presentation, we will report the development of small-molecule NIR fluorescent probes for hypoxia (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 52, 13028-13032 (2013)) and a small-molecule MRI-fluorescence dual imaging probe for atherosclerosis that specifically targets the atherosclerotic environment (Org. Biomol. Chem., 12, 8611-8618 (2014)).