An enzyme-sensitive probe for photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence detection of protease activity

A gold nanocage and dye conjugate has been demonstrated for use with photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence detection of protease activity. The detection sensitivity could be maximized by using gold nanocages with a localized surface plasmon resonance peak away from the emission peak of the dye. These hybrids can be potentially used as multimodal contrast agents for molecular imaging.