Wide-Field Multiplexed Imaging of EGFR-Targeted Cancers Using Topical Application of NIR SERS Nanoprobes

Abstract

Aim: As the possibilities of molecular imaging in personalized medicine evolve rapidly, the optical advantages of extremely narrow and intense spectral bands makes surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) an appealing candidate for multiplexed recognition of targeted biomarkers over other optical imaging modalities. Materials & methods: In this proof-of-concept study, we report wide-field Raman detection of lung cancer using multimodal SERS nanoprobes specific to the EGF receptor family, both in vitro and in vivo. Results: For the first time, we demonstrate wide-field multiplexed Raman imaging for cancer detection in vivo after topical application of a ‘cocktail’ of SERS nanoprobes. Conclusion: This advancement represents a key step towards sensitive wide-field Raman endoscopic imaging of multiple biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis of EGF receptor-expressing tumors of different internal organs.

Keywords::

• anti-EGFR nanoprobe
• cancer biomarker
• EGF receptor
• gold nanoparticle
• in vivo imaging
• molecular imaging
• multiplexed detection
• ratiometric imaging
• surface-enhanced Raman scattering
• wide-field Raman

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Funding was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Strategic Network for Bioplasmonic Systems (BiopSys). PZ McVeigh is also supported by a Vanier scholarship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Strategic Network for Bioplasmonic Systems (BiopSys). PZ McVeigh is also supported by a Vanier scholarship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.