Chemical Dyes as Contrast Agents for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

 

These patent-pending optical contrast agents and molecular detection technologies were developed to enhance the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to non-invasively map molecules in living specimens and diagnose disease where it starts. OCT utilizes low-coherence interferometry to measure the intensity of reflected or backscattered light to form images with micrometer resolution, is readily integrated with existing optical instrumentation and has application across a wide range of biological, medical, surgical, and non-biological specialties.  

While the majority of contrast agents are engineered to alter the intensity of backscattered light, this class of near-infrared dyes was designed to transform spectral wavelength, making in situ and in vivo three-dimensional imaging a reality

Benefits:

  • Cell-specific targeting
  • Strong light penetration of tissue at NIR wavelengths
  • High resolution images
  • Compatible with existing dyes