journal article·2025-12

In Vivo Two‐Photon 3D Fluorescence Angiography of Uterus by Silica Enhanced Aggregation‐Induced Emission Nanoparticles

Gang Feng, Miaozhuang Fan, Linlin Wang, Zhengzheng Li, Mingyan Zhao, Yanghua Wu, Yilin Zou, Yanjun Wang, Shuyi Yu, Yibin Zhang, Peng Zhai, Wenguang Zhang, Zhourui Xu, Wing‐Cheung Law, Xian Chen, Lianghui Diao, Gaixia Xu, Ruochun Lian, Yuye Li

Small· Volume 21· Issue 49
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract The uterine vascular system is essential for female reproductive function, but its structural complexity challenges conventional two‐dimensional (2D) analysis. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence angiography strategy is developed using aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) based nanoparticles (NPs) combined with two‐photon microscopy. An AIE fluorophore (AIEgen AF ) is developed, exhibiting near‐infrared emission at 715 nm. AF@SiO 2 NPs is engineered by encapsulating AIEgen AF within a hydrophobic silica core. Compared to micellar counterpart ( AF@F127 NPs ), AF@SiO 2 NPs exhibits enhanced fluorescence performance: a 2.99‐fold higher quantum yield (48.76%) and a 4.37‐fold greater two‐photon absorption cross‐section (266.56 GM). The silica surface of AF@SiO 2 NPs is further coated with dextran to improve biocompatibility and “stealth properties” in blood circulation. The obtained AF@SiO 2 ‐Dex NPs show minimal cytotoxicity and systemic toxicity. For in vivo imaging, a minimally invasive device is developed to expose the murine uterus. Following intravenous administration of AF@SiO 2 ‐Dex NPs , the uterine vascular network and collagen fibers are visualized using two‐photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG), respectively. This approach achieves an effective imaging depth exceeding 450 µm in tissue (signal‐to‐noise ratio >3). Key vascular parameters, such as vessel morphology, density, blood flow, and permeability, are systematacially analyzed.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials · Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics · Nonlinear Optical Materials Studies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri‐implantation Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital) Shenzhen 518120 China

Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri‐implantation Shenzhen 518120 China

Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging School of Biomedical Engineering Shenzhen University Health Science Center Shenzhen 518055 China

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hong Kong 999077 China

Funding

Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program · Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province

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