A targeted and multifunctional technology for identification between hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis.

Continuously updated diagnostic methods and advanced imaging methods have led to an increase in the early detection rate of small liver cancer，however, even with current diagnosis methods, it is still challenging to accurately judge a nodule with a diameter less than 2 cm whether it is hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cirrhosis. To solve this issue, a new technology is needed to distinguish above two kinds of liver nodules. There is an emerging imaging method that improves tissue resolution and sensitivity to detect micro-nodules with diameters less than 2 cm. To detect micro-nodules, photoacoustic imaging (PAI) was used to provide noninvasive images at depths of several centimeters with a resolution of approximately 100 m. To improve specificity, we developed a probe that specifically targets hepatocellular carcinoma by recognizing the biomarker GPC3 on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell membrane. The probe not only has a strong photoacoustic signal, but also have magnetic resonance signal. Furthermore, the material own photothermal effect which absorbs longer wavelength light and releases heat, effectively and accurately kills tumor cells, thus improving patient survival and postoperative quality of life. Herein, we present a new technology that uses photoacoustic imaging to image and target micro-hepatocellular carcinoma biological processes derived from liver cirrhosis with high spatial resolution.