Albumin-Binding Domain Conjugate for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Lymphatic Imaging

Purpose The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a novel peptide imaging agent for noninvasive near-infrared fluorescence imaging of protein transport by the lymphatics. An imaging agent consisting of a cyclic albumin-binding domain (cABD) peptide, with sequence, Arg-Leu-Ile-Glu-Asp-Ile-Cys-Leu-Pro-Arg-Trp-Gly-Cys-Leu-Trp-Glu-Asp-Asp-Lys, was conjugated to a near-infrared fluorophore, IRDye800CW, allowing for enhanced vascular uptake, retention, and fluorescence imaging.