| abstract |
An intramolecularly-quenched, near-infrared fluorescence probe that emits substantial fluorescence only after interaction with a target tissue (i.e., activation) is disclosed. The probe includes a polymeric backbone and a plurality of near-infrared fluorochromes covalently linked to the backbone at fluorescence-quenching interaction-permissive positions separable by enzymatic cleavage at fluorescence activation sites. The probe optionally includes protective chains or fluorochrome spacers, or bothours. Also disclosed are methods of using the intramolecularly-quenched, near-infrared fluorescence probes for in vivo optical imaging. |