A Nile blue based infrared fluorescent probe: imaging tumors that over-express cyclooxygenase-2

The first Golgi-localized cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-specific near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, Niblue-C6-IMC, able to detect cancer cells, was designed. Importantly, Niblue-C6-IMC preferentially labeled the tumors in a mouse tumor model with deep tissue penetration capacity. It may be a promising molecular tool for guiding tumor resection during surgery.