Research Projects

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of advanced diagnostic tools for early detection and precise imaging. Fluorescence imaging, especially in the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) window, offers high-resolution, non-invasive tumor visualization with deep tissue penetration and minimal background interference. In this project, we propose the design and development of novel BODIPY–Phenothiazine (PTZ) based donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated molecules with extended π-conjugation tailored for NIR-II fluorescence. These molecules will be formulated into biocompatible nanomedicines using amphiphilic polymers such as DSPE-PEG to enhance their aqueous dispersibility and tumor-targeting ability via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The synthesized nanomedicines will be thoroughly characterized using standard spectroscopic and analytical techniques and evaluated for in vivo fluorescence imaging in tumor-bearing animal models. We anticipate significant accumulation of these nanoprobes in tumor tissues, with peak fluorescence intensity observed within 6–12 hours post-injection. This study aims to establish a new class of highly stable, photostable, and biocompatible nanomedicines for real-time, high-contrast tumor imaging. The outcomes will contribute to the field of fluorescent nanomedicine and hold promise for future integration into theranostic platforms combining imaging and therapy.