Non-linear Luminescent Markers for Deep Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence molecular imaging and tomography systems face limitations such as low resolution and contrast, shallow imaging depths, long data acquisition times, and thermal side effects when used in absorbing and scattering media like biological tissue.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-linear luminescent markers that upconvert incoming light to emit at shorter wavelengths, enhancing emission intensity, resolution, and quantum yield, and allowing for deeper tissue imaging with reduced thermal effects through pulsed excitation and dual-beam excitation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescence imaging systems are used in scattering media, then imaging can be performed, but resolution and contrast are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing upconverting nanoparticles that convert infrared excitation light to visible emission light, fundamentally changing the optical parameters of the imaging system. This wavelength conversion enables deeper tissue penetration and improved resolution while maintaining high contrast, directly resolving the technical contradiction between measurement precision and reliability in scattering media
2Illumination intensity
If higher excitation power is used to improve signal intensity, then emission intensity increases, but thermal side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the excitation wavelength parameter from visible to infrared range, utilizing the optical window in biological tissue where absorption and scattering are minimized. This parameter change allows achieving high emission intensity through upconversion while avoiding thermal side effects, as infrared light penetrates tissue more deeply with less heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulsed excitation mode instead of continuous wave excitation, applying periodic action principle. This allows the tissue to cool down between pulses, reducing cumulative thermal effects while maintaining high peak emission intensity during the excitation pulses, thus resolving the contradiction between emission intensity and thermal side effects
3Length of stationary object
If conventional fluorescence imaging is used, then imaging can be performed, but imaging depth is shallow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the excitation wavelength parameter to infrared range (e.g., 980 nm), which falls within the optical window of biological tissue. This parameter change enables much deeper penetration into scattering media while maintaining high signal quality through the upconversion mechanism, directly resolving the contradiction between imaging depth and measurement precision
4Measurement precision
If longer data acquisition times are used to improve image quality, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the luminescence mechanism parameter by utilizing upconverting nanoparticles with high quantum yield, which dramatically increases the emitted signal intensity. This parameter change enables achieving high signal-to-noise ratio in much shorter acquisition times, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pulsed excitation mode that delivers high peak power in short bursts, enabling rapid signal accumulation during the pulse duration. This periodic action allows achieving high signal-to-noise ratio with reduced total acquisition time, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision
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
This approach improves imaging resolution and contrast, enables single-shot deep tissue imaging, and reduces data acquisition time while minimizing thermal side effects, providing a more effective method for fluorescence molecular imaging and tomography in scattering media.
Implementation Method 1
non-linear luminescent markers configured to upconvert incoming light of an illumination wavelength, such that luminescence occurs at a luminescence wavelength that is shorter than said illumination wavelength
Implementation Method 2
thermal side effects of the excitation light
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
A method and system for luminescence molecular imaging or tomography of a region of interest in a scattering medium is disclosed. The system comprises a non-linear luminescent marker material arranged in the scattering medium, one or more light sources positioned by at least one light source position for exciting said luminescent marker by excitation light emitted by said one or more light sources into an excitation volume, a detector at a luminescent light detection position detecting luminescence from said luminescent marker due to said excitation light, wherein said excitation light comprises pulsed excitation light.