In Vivo Autofluorescence Imaging for Label-Free Inflammation Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in detecting molecular information related to inflammation and oxidative stress, particularly in a safe and efficient manner, as they often rely on exogenous reagents that can be toxic and require lengthy regulatory approval, and endogenous imaging methods may not sufficiently evaluate biomarkers for these conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) to detect native autofluorescence from biological tissues modified by oxidative processes, allowing for label-free imaging of inflammation and oxidative stress, with NIRAF signals being generated in the red and near-infrared region where hemoglobin and water have low absorption, enabling deeper penetration and reducing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exogenous reagents are used to label inflammation biomarkers, then detection sensitivity is improved, but patient safety and regulatory approval time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes endogenous autofluorescence molecules naturally present in biological tissues instead of requiring exogenous reagent administration. The tissue's own fluorescent properties are exploited to provide contrast for imaging inflammation and other pathological conditions, eliminating the need for external labeling agents and their associated safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the naturally occurring autofluorescence signal from biological tissues by removing the need for exogenous reagents. The endogenous fluorescent molecules are directly imaged without requiring additional substance administration, thereby extracting the useful signal while eliminating the harmful factors associated with reagent use
2Measurement precision
If exogenous reagents are used for molecular imaging, then molecular information detection is improved, but regulatory approval time and clinical application ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The method exploits the body's own autofluorescence properties to provide molecular imaging contrast without requiring administered reagents. This self-service approach eliminates the lengthy regulatory approval process associated with new pharmaceutical or contrast agent development while maintaining the ability to detect molecular information
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a universal imaging approach that leverages naturally occurring fluorescent molecules across different tissue types and pathological conditions. This multi-functional endogenous contrast mechanism can be applied broadly without requiring condition-specific reagent development and approval
3Object-affected harmful factors
If endogenous imaging methods are used, then patient safety is improved, but detection capability for inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from conventional imaging modalities to autofluorescence spectroscopy in the blue-green spectral region. By tuning the detection wavelength to match the emission spectrum of endogenous fluorescent molecules associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, the method achieves both safety and enhanced biomarker detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The method exploits local variations in endogenous autofluorescence properties that occur in diseased versus healthy tissues. Inflammation and oxidative stress alter the fluorescent characteristics of native molecules, creating localized signal differences that enable specific biomarker detection without external reagents
4Shape
If conventional imaging modalities are used, then anatomical structure information is obtained, but molecular information detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges anatomical imaging with molecular functional imaging by combining structural visualization with autofluorescence spectral analysis. The system simultaneously provides morphological information and molecular biomarker detection through the autofluorescence signal, integrating both types of information in a single imaging modality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
NIRAF enables sensitive and specific detection of atherosclerotic plaques and other conditions by correlating signal levels with the concentration of autofluorescence moieties, reducing the need for exogenous labels and additional spectral processing, and can be combined with other imaging modalities for comprehensive diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF)... can be employed for detecting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques using NIRAF... detecting the presence of native autofluorescence from anatomical features that have been modified by naturally occurring oxidative processes within the body
Implementation Method 2
NIRAF signals being generated in the red and near-infrared region where hemoglobin and water have low absorption, enabling deeper penetration and reducing tissue damage
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary method and apparatus for diagnosing or characterizing an inflammation within an anatomical structure can be provided. For example, using at least one source arrangement, it is possible to provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the anatomical structure at at least one first wavelength in vivo. With at least one detector arrangement, it is possible to detect at least one second electro-magnetic radiation at at least one second wavelength provided from the anatomical structure. The second radiation can be associated with the first radiation, and the first wavelength can be shorter than the second wavelength. The second radiation can be provided from the anatomical structure due to at least one change in the anatomical structure caused by the inflammation without providing an artificial fluorescence substance. At least one computer arrangement can be used to determine at least one characteristic of the structure based on the second radiation to diagnose or characterize the inflammation within the anatomical structure.