Optical imaging is a safe, cost-effective, rapid imaging modality, which can be multiplexed or engineered to have a turn-on response. Despite these advantages, optical imaging is not widely employed in the clinic due to the poor penetration of light through tissue and high background signal from endogenous chromophores. The shortwave infrared (SWIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum has emerged as an optimal region for optical imaging due to the decreased scattering of light by tissue and minimal autofluorescence of endogenous biomolecules in this region. The potential of the SWIR has been showcased using carbon nanotubes and quantum dots as contrast agents; however, toxicity concerns regarding these materials prevent their clinical translation. What is necessary are bright, non-toxic shortwave infrared fluorophores. We have discovered a bright polymethine fluorophore, deemed Flav7, which absorbs and emits shortwave infrared light. This talk will detail the design, synthesis, and evaluation of Flav7 as well as recent modifications to enhance the emission λ<sub>max</sub> and Φ<sub>F</sub>.

Flavylium heptamethine fluorophores for shortwave infrared imaging

256th National Meeting (2018)

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