Novel NIR probes for multiplexed imaging of cancer

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering awarded University of Nebraska at Omaha $222,947 on July 17, 2026, to develop near-infrared probes for early detection of ovarian cancer and image-guided cytoreductive surgery under the Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health program (CFDA 93.286).

The research creates a modular toolkit for highly emissive and stable near-infrared probes based on DNA-templated silver nanoclusters optimized for ovarian cancer imaging. The probes address a clinical need for improved diagnostic tools and surgical guidance, as conventional imaging methods like CT, MRI, and ultrasound lack real-time precision in detecting small peritoneal nodules. The DNA-templated silver nanoclusters offer superior stability, high quantum yields, and low toxicity compared to conventional organic and inorganic probes, with emission wavelengths tunable via ligand interactions and redox state modulation. The research team will elucidate design principles for these probes and demonstrate that programmable nucleic acid nanoparticles can stabilize the silver nanoclusters and, when decorated with targeting moieties, specifically bind cancer cells.

Performance occurs in Omaha, Nebraska, with a period of performance from the award date through June 30, 2029. The assistance type is a Project Grant, which supports hypothesis-driven and technology-driven research related to discovery, design, development, validation, and application of biomedical imaging and bioengineering technologies.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer, particularly aggressive epithelial tumors, remains a major health threat with ~46% overall survival rates. Early detection greatly improves the five-year survival to 94%. In advanced stages, cytoreductive procedures become critical and require precise tumor visualization for diagnosis and surgical guidance. Conventional imaging methods like CT, MRI, and ultrasound lack real-time precision, especially in detecting small peritoneal nodules, forcing surgeons to rely on visual inspection and palpation without real-time guidance. Bioimaging plays a critical role in diagnosing ovarian cancer, guiding cytoreductive surgical interventions, and evaluating treatment efficacy. While minimally invasive fluorescence bioimaging holds great potential, its clinical adoption is limited by a shortage of effective imaging agents. Thus, there is an urgent need for improved diagnostic tools and enhanced surgical techniques. This academic research enhancement award (AREA) R15 proposal aims to develop near-infrared (NIR) probes for early detection of ovarian cancer and image-guided cytoreductive surgery. Specifically, we will create a user-friendly, modular toolkit for highly emissive and stable NIR probes based on DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-AGNCS) optimized for ovarian cancer imaging. DNA-AGNCS offer superior stability, high quantum yields, and low toxicity compared to conventional organic and inorganic probes. Our preliminary results indicate that stable NIR-emitting DNA-AGNCS can be reproducibly engineered using specific DNA sequences, with emission wavelengths tunable via ligand interactions and redox state modulation. Also, our interdisciplinary research team has demonstrated that programmable nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPS) can stabilize AGNCS and, when decorated with targeting moieties, can specifically bind cancer cells. TBY elucidating the design principles of DNA-AGNCS, this research will unlock the full potential of NIR optical imaging, advancing both image-guided surgery and early ovarian cancer detection. Furthermore, this AREA award will expand undergraduate research opportunities, providing hands-on training and enhancing student preparedness for careers in the biomedical field.