An intramolecularly-quenched, near-infrared fluorescence probe that emits substantial fluorescence only after interaction with a target tissue (i.e., activation) is disclosed. The probe includes a polymeric backbone and a plurality of near-infrared fluorochromes covalently linked to the backbone at fluorescence-quenching interaction-permissive positions separable by enzymatic cleavage at fluorescence activation sites. The probe optionally includes protective chains or fluorochrome spacers, or bothours. Also disclosed are methods of using the intramolecularly-quenched, near-infrared fluorescence probes for in vivo optical imaging.
本发明公开了一种分子内熄灭、近红外荧光探针,仅在与目标组织相互作用(即激活)后才发出大量荧光。该探针包括一个聚合物骨架和多个近红外荧光
染料,这些
染料与骨架在荧光熄灭相互作用允许的位置上共价连接,并且在荧光激活位点处可以通过酶促裂解分离。该探针可选包括保护链或荧光
染料间隔物,或两者都包括。本发明还公开了使用分子内熄灭、近红外荧光探针进行体内光学成像的方法。