FLUORESCENCE IMAGING ANALYSIS OF DISTRIBUTION OF INDOCYANINE GREEN IN MOLECULAR AND NANOFORM IN TUMOR MODEL

Abstract Background The efficient intraoperative identification of tumors requires the development of highly specific near-infrared (NIR) probes as contrast agents. One of the most effective dyes existing in clinic oncology is Indocyanine Green (ICG). However, ICG has a rapid excretion, thus ruling out its extended accumulation in pathological tissues therefore limiting its clinical applications. ICG colloid solution (ICG NPs) consists predominantly of J-aggregates and to a lesser extent of H-aggregates and monomers. In the present study we assessed the spectral properties of ICG nanoforms in preclinical models. Methods We used optical spectroscopy and video fluorescence navigation to monitor accumulation and distribution of ICG monomers and ICG NPs in various tissues in mice with xenografted laryngopharyngeal carcinoma after intravenous drugs injection. Results After i.v. injection, the molecular form of ICG was not retained in the tumor and its circulation cycle averaged 5 minutes. Alternatively, the nanoform of the drug had a different pharmacokinetics, reaching maximum accumulation 24 hours after intravenous injection. Moreover, once in the circulation, we observed a progressive accumulation in the tumor of both ICG H-aggregates and ICG monomers, but not J-aggregates. Conclusion Spectral characteristics of ICG NPs indicated the presence of several fractions, namely, J- and H-aggregates along with molecular forms. These fractions had different fluorescence spectra, allowing us to track the transformation of the drug in in vivo conditions. After ICG NPs administration, J-aggregates induce accumulation of monomeric forms in the tumor, enabling extended intraoperative diagnostic, and as such further studies of J-aggregates for theranostic applications in oncological surgery are of great interest.