@article{Zhou2026, 
author = {Min Zhou and Ying Wang and Chu Zhang and Zichen Qin and Zicong Liang and Zhiguo Fang and Yeteng Zhong and Yu Xiang and Aijun Tong},
title = {Ultrastable TPE-DNA nanoaggregates enable bright NIR-II fluorescence vascular imaging},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {12},
pages = {94909091},
keywords = {DNA amphiphiles, multivalent aggregation-induced emission (AIE) engineering, near-infrared II (NIR-II) imaging, π-π stacking},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94909091},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94909091},
abstract = {The development of bright and stable near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescent probes is crucial for deep-tissue vascular imaging but remains challenging due to dye leakage and poor carrier stability. Here, we report a multivalent tetraphenylethylene (TPE) modification strategy to construct DNA amphiphiles that self-assemble into ultrastable nanoaggregates. Unlike conventional C18-DNA or cholesterol-DNA assemblies that readily dissociate, our 7-TPE-DNA nanoaggregates remain intact even under denaturing conditions, owing to cooperative π-π stacking among multiple TPE units. The same hydrophobic core efficiently loads the aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active NIR-II dye TPE-benzobisthiadiazole (BBT), affording bright nanoprobes with outstanding resistance to dye leakage. Following intravenous injection into living mice, the probe enables high-resolution visualization of femoral arteries and subcutaneous capillary networks with markedly improved signal-to-background ratios compared to polyethylene glycol (PEG)- or F127-based controls. This work establishes a multivalent AIE engineering strategy for DNA amphiphiles, providing a robust and versatile nanoplatform for advanced NIR-II bioimaging applications.}
}