These optical contrast agents and molecular detection technologies were developed to enhance the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to non-invasively map...
These 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.
Molecular Detection Technology
Nonlinear Interferometric Vibrational Imaging (NIVI) NIVI offers unmatched capabilities in biomedical imaging by performing non-invasive three-dimensional molecular imaging of living specimens and tissue. This imaging platform interferometrically detects nonlinear optical signals based on the vibrational states of atomic bonds within target molecules and may be used for diagnostics and for delivery of focused ablative treatment.
Benefits:
Images a range of molecular species simultaneously with a single instrument
Requires no exogenous labels to detect specific molecules
Permits precise density determination without background signals
Allows 3-D discrimination of molecular density and enhancement
Fiber Optic OCT
OCT Enhanced Biopsy Needle This concept-proven device provides manufacturers of soft tissue biopsy needles with the option to integrate a fiber optic OCT light delivery and measurement apparatus into the needle tip. By monitoring the optical properties of tissue via this new imaging needle, clinicians can improve the accuracy of both tumor localization and diagnosis.
Benefits:
Greater precision than stereotaxis (X-ray) and sonography (ultrasound)
Measure refractive index and attenuation of sample in-vivo in real time
Compatible with standard biopsy and OCT systems
OCT Imaging Algorithm
Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Microscopy (ISAM) ISAM offers revolutionary technology advancement in OCT and other microscopy methods. With a single pass, the algorithm is able to extend the range over which devices can scan an image by integrating data taken from non-focal point areas in addition to the focal region. Integration of the ISAM technology into catheters or arterial imaging devices would add significant value above the existing image rendering paradigms.
Benefits:
Produces functional imagery from formerly unusable data
Maintains quality resolution in high depth-of-field and 3-D applications
Tolerates errors in defocus
Employs digital processing to compensate for instrument and user error
This class of nanospheres and nanorods exhibit tunable plasmon resonances and can be engineered to specific sizes with strong absorption or scattering at select wavelengths - most notably the near-infrared range - for enhancing the sensitivity and scope of OCT.
Benefits:
Perform diagnostic and therapeutic functions
Capable of targeting specific cells and cell structures
Tunable optical properties Variable resonance depending on particle orientation
Optical Contrast Agents for Optically Modifying Incident Radiation
Magnetically & Electrically Inducible Modulated Agents Iron-oxide in microspheres, on nanorods, or as free nanoparticles offers researchers and users precise control over contrast agent position within a sample and orientation within tissue. The magnetic agents can be manufactured to a variety of sizes and can enhance OCT data. Similarly, electrically-inducible particles are capable of altering the spectral characteristics of incident radiation.
Benefits:
Wavelength- & Media- specific optimization
Modifiable protein coat
Non-toxic biocompatibility for in-vivo applications
Optical Contrast Agents: Near-Infrared Dyes for Structural and Spectroscopic OCT
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
Dr. Boppart from the University of IL has developed a machine learning system that allows for easy diagnosis of ear infections, such as Otitis Media. The system uses a...
Dr. Boppart from the University of IL has developed a machine learning system that allows for easy diagnosis of ear infections, such as Otitis Media. The system uses a database of Optical Coherence Tomography Images to identify features in inner ear biofilms more effectively than trained specialists while being used by an untrained user.
Dr. Boppart from the University of IL has developed a portable Otitis Media diagnostic system that allows for primary and point-of-care use. The briefcase OCT system...
Dr. Boppart from the University of IL has developed a portable Otitis Media diagnostic system that allows for primary and point-of-care use. The briefcase OCT system provides a 5-fold cost reduction and 3-fold size reduction compared to current systems and is easily portable for field work. The measurements using this system could be performed non-invasively through tissues or other interfaces/layers of material provided they are optically transparent for OCT imaging.
Researchers have developed a method that accelerates data acquisition for Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) by ten folds...
Researchers have developed a method that accelerates data acquisition for Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) by ten folds while maintaining high mass and spatial resolution and accuracy. Compared to other methods in MSI data acquisition/reconstruction, this approach exploits redundancy in the data, eventually reducing the time for data collection. The primary applications of the technology will be in clinical diagnostics, drug metabolism studies and localization/characterization of biomolecules within tissue samples.
