Virus-mimicking nano-constructs as a contrast agent for near infrared photoacoustic imaging.

ABSTRACT: We report the first proof-of-principle demonstration of photoacoustic imaging using a contrast agent composed of a plant virus protein shell, which encapsulates indocyanine green (ICG), the only FDA-approved near infrared chromophore. These nano-constructs can provide higher photoacoustic signals than blood in tissue phantoms, and display superior photostability compared to non-encapsulated ICG. Our preliminary results suggest that the constructs do not elicit an acute immunogenic response in healthy mice.

SUBMITTER: Gupta S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3626106 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature