Near-infrared fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift and long emission wavelength for rapid diagnosis of lung cancer viaaerosol inhalation delivery

The aggressive nature and high mortality rate of lung cancer underscore the imperative need for early diagnosis of the disease. Thus, aminopeptidase N (APN), a potential biomarker for lung cancer, should be thoroughly investigated in this context. This report describes the development of HA-apn, a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe, specifically engineered for the sensitive detection of endogenous APN. Characterized by its high selectivity, straightforward molecular architecture, and suitable optical properties, including a long-wavelength emission at 835 nm and a large Stokes shift of 285 nm, HA-apnhad high efficacy in identifying overexpressed APN in tumor cells, which shows its potential in pinpointing malignancies. To further validate its applicability and effectiveness in facilitating the direct and enhanced visualization of pulmonary alterations, an in situlung cancer mouse model was employed. Notably, HA-apnwas applied for in vivoimaging of APN activity in the lung cancer mouse model receiving the probe through aerosol inhalation, and rapid and precise diagnostic results were achieved within 30 min post-administration. Overall, HA-apncan be applied as an effective, non-intrusive tool for the rapid and accurate detection of pulmonary conditions.