Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for In Vivo Optical Imaging

The overall goal of this procedure is to prepare an activat liposome that enables in vivo imaging of inflammation with a high sensitivity. This is accomplished by first preparing a lipid film composed of phospholipids in the second step. Spontaneous vesicles are formed by hydrating the phospholipid film with a quenched concentration solution of a near infrared fluorescent dye.

The spontaneously formed vesicles or SFV are extruded to ensure homogeneity of the liposomal vesicles and then the liposomes are purified from the residual non encapsulated dye molecules. Ultimately, spectrometric measurements of absorbance and fluorescence emission are used to show the quench state of the encapsulated dye while in vivo. Near infrared fluorescence imaging is used to demonstrate the potential of the liposomes for imaging inflammatory processes.