Novel Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for Cancer Detection Advances

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Valencia have made significant strides in developing a reliable and sensitive cancer detection method. According to a new report, the team has designed and synthesized a near-infrared fluorescent probe (NB-SO3-Leu) derived from the Nile Blue (NB) fluorophore scaffold. The probe's mechanism of action was successfully validated in the presence of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), a widely known cancer biomarker. The probe exhibited a significant increase in fluorescence signal after incubation with the LAP enzyme, demonstrating its potential for cancer detection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team has developed a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe (NB-SO3-Leu) for the detection of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) as a cancer biomarker.
  • The probe's mechanism of action was successfully validated in the presence of LAP enzyme, demonstrating its potential for cancer detection.
  • The fluorescence signal of NB-SO3-Leu increased 4-fold after incubation with the LAP enzyme after 15 min, indicating its sensitivity to cancer biomarkers.
  • The probe was validated in vitro in 4T1 (mouse mammary carcinoma cells), HeLa (human cervical cancer cells), and SK-Mel-103 (human melanoma cells) with high endogenous LAP levels.
  • The research aims to advance in the development of a new generation of reliable and sensitive cancer detection methods.
  • The probe's biocompatibility and solubility were improved through the addition of sulfonic groups to the Nile Blue fluorophore scaffold.
  • The study was funded by MCIN/AEI, European Regional Development Fund-A way of doing Europe, Center for Forestry Research & Experimentation (CIEF), European Union (EU), CIBER-Consorcio Centro de Investigacion Biome dica en Red-, Spanish Government, and APOSTD from Generalitat Valenciana.

Statistics:

  • The fluorescence signal of NB-SO3-Leu increased 4-fold after incubation with the LAP enzyme after 15 min.
  • The probe was validated in vitro in 3 different cell lines: 4T1 (mouse mammary carcinoma cells), HeLa (human cervical cancer cells), and SK-Mel-103 (human melanoma cells).
  • The research was funded by 7 different organizations: MCIN/AEI, European Regional Development Fund, CIEF, EU, CIBER, Spanish Government, and APOSTD from Generalitat Valenciana.
  • The study was published in the journal Dyes and Pigments, volume 240, in 2025.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from University of Valencia in the Area of Cancer Biomarkers Described (Development of a Novel Near-infrared Fluorescent Probe Based On Nile Blue for the Detection of Leucine Aminopeptidase As a Cancer Biomarker). Health & Medicine Week. September 5, 2025; p 7509.
  • Dyes and Pigments. Development of a Novel Near-infrared Fluorescent Probe Based On Nile Blue for the Detection of Leucine Aminopeptidase As a Cancer Biomarker. Volume 240, 2025.
  • University of Valencia. Development of a Novel Near-infrared Fluorescent Probe Based On Nile Blue for the Detection of Leucine Aminopeptidase As a Cancer Biomarker.