Jenny T. Mac

Bio: Jenny T. Mac is an academic researcher from University of California, Riverside. The author has contributed to research in topics: Indocyanine green & Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 19 publications receiving 150 citations.

Erythrocyte-derived nano-probes functionalized with antibodies for targeted near infrared fluorescence imaging of cancer cells.

Abstract: Constructs derived from mammalian cells are emerging as a new generation of nano-scale platforms for clinical imaging applications. Herein, we report successful engineering of hybrid nano-structures composed of erythrocyte-derived membranes doped with FDA-approved near infrared (NIR) chromophore, indocyanine green (ICG), and surface-functionalized with antibodies to achieve molecular targeting. We demonstrate that these constructs can be used for targeted imaging of cancer cells in vitro. These erythrocyte-derived optical nano-probes may provide a potential platform for clinical translation, and enable molecular imaging of cancer biomarkers.

Erythrocyte-Derived Theranostic Nanoplatforms for Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Photodestruction of Tumors.

Abstract: Nanoparticles activated by near-infrared (NIR) excitation provide a capability for optical imaging and photodestruction of tumors. We have engineered optical nanoconstructs derived from erythrocytes, which are doped with the FDA-approved NIR dye, indocyanine green (ICG). We refer to these constructs as NIR erythrocyte-mimicking transducers (NETs). Herein, we investigate the phototheranostic capabilities of NETs for fluorescence imaging and photodestruction of SKBR3 breast cancer cells and subcutaneous xenograft tumors in mice. Our cellular studies demonstrate that NETs are internalized by these cancer cells and localized to their lysosomes. As evidenced by NIR fluorescence imaging and in vivo laser irradiation studies, NETs remain available within tumors at 24 h postintravenous injection. In response to continuous wave 808 nm laser irradiation at intensity of 680 mW/cm2 for 10-15 min, NETs mediate the destruction of cancer cells and tumors in mice through synergistic photochemical and photothermal effects. We demonstrate that NETs are effective in mediating photoactivation of Caspase-3 to induce tumor apoptosis. Our results provide support for the effectiveness of NETs as theranostic agents for fluorescence imaging and photodestruction of tumors and their role in photoinduced apoptosis initiated by their localization to lysosomes.

Correction: Photoinduced dynamics of a cyanine dye: parallel pathways of non-radiative deactivation involving multiple excited-state twisted transients.

Abstract: Cyanine dyes are broadly used for fluorescence imaging and other photonic applications. 3,3'-Diethylthiacyanine (THIA) is a cyanine dye composed of two identical aromatic heterocyclic moieties linked with a single methine, -CH 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 1111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000 . The torsional degrees of freedom around the methine bonds provide routes for non-radiative decay, responsible for the inherently low fluorescence quantum yields. Using transient absorption spectroscopy, we determined that upon photoexcitation, the excited state relaxes along two parallel pathways producing three excited-state transients that undergo internal conversion to the ground state. The media viscosity impedes the molecular modes of ring rotation and preferentially affects one of the pathways of non-radiative decay, exerting a dominant effect on the emission properties of THIA. Concurrently, the polarity affects the energy of the transients involved in the decay pathways and further modulates the kinetics of non-radiative deactivation.

Erythrocyte‐Derived Nanoparticles as a Theranostic Agent for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Thrombolysis of Blood Clots

Abstract: Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot obstructs or narrows the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Currently, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a thrombolytic agent, is the only United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pharmacologic treatment for ischemic stroke. Despite its effective usage, the major limitation of tPA that stems from its short half-life in plasma (≈5 min) is the potential for increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. To circumvent these limitations, herein, the first proof-of-principle demonstration of a theranostic nanoconstruct system derived from erythrocytes doped with the FDA-approved near-infrared (NIR) imaging agent, indocyanine green, and surface-functionalized with tPA is reported. Using a clot model, the dual functionality of these nanoconstructs in NIR fluorescence imaging and clot lysis is demonstrated. These biomimetic theranostic nanoconstructs may ultimately be effective in imaging and treatment of blood clots involved in ischemic stroke.

Supramolecular Luminescent Sensors

Abstract: There is great need for stand-alone luminescence-based chemosensors that exemplify selectivity, sensitivity, and applicability and that overcome the challenges that arise from complex, real-world media. Discussed herein are recent developments toward these goals in the field of supramolecular luminescent chemosensors, including macrocycles, polymers, and nanomaterials. Specific focus is placed on the development of new macrocycle hosts since 2010, coupled with considerations of the underlying principles of supramolecular chemistry as well as analytes of interest and common luminophores. State-of-the-art developments in the fields of polymer and nanomaterial sensors are also examined, and some remaining unsolved challenges in the area of chemosensors are discussed.

NIR fluorescence-guided tumor surgery: new strategies for the use of indocyanine green

Abstract: Surgery is the frontline treatment for a large number of cancers. The objective of these excisional surgeries is the complete removal of the primary tumor with sufficient safety margins. Removal of the entire tumor is essential to improve the chances of a full recovery. To help surgeons achieve this objective, near-infrared fluorescence-guided surgical techniques are of great interest. The concomitant use of fluorescence and indocyanine green (ICG) has proved effective in the identification and characterization of tumors. Moreover, ICG is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency and is therefore the subject of a large number of studies. ICG is one of the most commonly used fluorophores in near-infrared fluorescence-guided techniques. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as limited photostability, a moderate fluorescence quantum yield, a high plasma protein binding rate, and undesired aggregation in aqueous solution. In addition, ICG does not specifically target tumor cells. One way to exploit the capabilities of ICG while offsetting these drawbacks is to develop high-performance near-infrared nanocomplexes formulated with ICG (with high selectivity for tumors, high tumor-to-background ratios, and minimal toxicity). In this review article, we focus on recent developments in ICG complexation strategies to improve near-infrared fluorescence-guided tumor surgery. We describe targeted and nontargeted ICG nanoparticle models and ICG complexation with targeting agents.