Quantum dots boost large-view NIR-II imaging with high fidelity for fluorescence-guided tumor surgery

Owing to the high spatiotemporal resolution, the second near-infrared (NIR-II) imaging window can provide high imaging contrast with diminished tissue autofluorescence and suppressed photon scattering to pinpoint the locations for tumor surgery. Due to the unique optical properties and excellent fluorescence performance, quantum dots (QDs) are regarded as ideal nanoprobes for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). Moreover, QDs can be excited by a variety of light sources owing to the continuous and wide absorption ranges. Herein, light-emitting diode (LED) was used as the excitation source of QDs-based nanoprobes to realize FGS of tumor with high resolution. Since the LED light could irradiate a large region with consistent light intensity, signal distortion at the edge of imaging field was avoided. The signal intensity of the view edges under LED excitation can be improved by about 5 times compared to laser excitation. Therefore, more micro-vessels and smaller tumors (Vtumor < 5 mm2) could be detected, thus providing more precise guidance for tumor resection surgery.