Fig. 6
a Schematic representation of a procedure for synthesizing an innovative multimodal imaging agent. This process includes the synthesis of Gadolinium-Copper nanoclusters (GCuNCs), surface modification, AS1411 aptamer conjugation, and 99mTc radiolabeling. b and (c) are transmission electron microscopy (TEM) visuals and analysis of particle size of GCuNC and GCuNC@SiO2, respectively. d The Photoluminescence (PL) spectral analysis of both GCuNC@SiO2 and its aminated variant, GCuNC@SiO2-NH2. e Comprehensive imaging investigations on BALB/c mice with 4T1 tumors (located on the right flank) one hour post intravenous administration of Apt-ASGCuNCs. The figure illustrates: A The results from fluorescence imaging, B Images obtained from magnetic resonance imaging, C SPECT/CT images captured one hour post injection of 99mTc-Apt-ASGCuNCs without and (D) with the simultaneous administration of AS1411 aptamer (aptamer blocking). f The biodistribution pattern of 99mTc-Apt-ASGCuNCs across various tissues at two distinct time periods (measured in dose per gram of tissue and P-value < 0.05). (Reproduced with permission from ref. [107])