Development of a 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1<i>H</i>-benzimidazole-Based Fluorescence Sensor Targeting Boronic Acids for Versatile Application in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Abstract

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an attractive approach to treating cancers. Currently, only one 10B-labeled boronoagent (Borofalan, BPA) has been approved for clinical BNCT in Japan, and methods for predicting and measuring BNCT efficacy must be established to support the development of next-generation 10B-boronoagents. Fluorescence sensors targeting boronic acids can achieve this because the amount and localization of 10B in tumor tissues directly determine BNCT efficacy; however, current sensors are nonoptimal given their slow reaction rate and weak fluorescence (quantum yield 10B-boronoagent development and promote research in BNCT.

Keywords

• boron neutron capture therapy
• boronoagents
• Borofalan
• fluorescence sensor