Strategy for Fluorescence/Photoacoustic Signal Maximization Using Dual-Wavelength-Independent Excitation

Dual-mode imaging of fluorescence-photoacoustics has emerged as a promising technique for biomedical applications. However, conventional dual-mode imaging is based on single-wavelength excitation, which often results in opposing fluorescence and photoacoustic signals due to competing photophysical processes in one agent, rendering the maximization of both signals infeasible. To meet this challenge, we herein propose a new strategy by using the dual-excitation approach, where one excitation wavelength generates a fluorescence signal and the other produces a photoacoustic signal, thus achieving simultaneous maximization of both signals in one fluorescence-photoacoustic molecule. Based on this strategy, three dye molecules were employed for comparison, and it was surprising to find that QHD dye with two types of excitation wavelengths could generate fluorescence and photoacoustic signals, respectively. Furthermore, this strategy was successfully implemented in dual-mode imaging of rheumatoid arthritis mice. Importantly, this study emphasizes a new design guideline for the maximization of fluorescence-photoacoustic signals by using dual-wavelength-independent excitation.