Table 1.

QDs-based imaging on ALS

Researches	Study models	Major findings
Helle et al. [40]	Mouse	Visualization of SLN on right axilla was achieved both in healthy and BC-bearing mice with indium-based NIR QDs, a toxicity-reduced tracer
Pons et al. [41]	Mouse	Cadmium-free QDs with reduced toxicity were synthesized to visualize right axillary and lateral thoracic lymph nodes of mouse
Pic et al. [42]	Mouse	Comparison between fluorescence imaging and mass spectroscopy for detection of QDs-based imaging of axillary and lateral thoracic SLN was performed, confirming QDs imaging could be a better strategy
Kosaka et al. [43]	Mouse	Five QDs with different emission spectra were injected at five different sites of mice to simultaneously show multi-color lymphatic imaging of neck lymph nodes, thoracic lymph nodes, and ALN
Robe et al. [44]	Nude mouse	ALN of nude mouse were identified by QDs and biological distribution of QDs in ALN was analyzed
Ballou et al. [45]	Nude mouse	Rapid migration of two PEG-coated NIR QDs from the tumor to surrounding lymph nodes (inguinal, axillary, lumbar, and renal lymph nodes) was visualized in nude mice
Kobayashi et al. [46]	Mouse	Simultaneous imaging on deep cervical nodes, superficial cervical nodes, thoracic duct, lateral thoracic nodes, and axillary nodes was achieved by 5 kinds of QDs with different emission spectra
Hama et al. [47]	Mouse	Simultaneously mapping two lymphatic flows from the breast and the upper extremity with two QDs under an exciting light
Kim et al. [24]	Nude mouse & pig	Imaging on femoral SLN of pigs and axillary SLN of mouse was achieved for the first time by NIR QDs