SLIME Microvascular Imaging via OCT and Contrast Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D microvascular imaging methods are complex, expensive, and time-intensive, making them unsuitable for large-volume and large-sample population studies, such as drug screening and diverse phenotype studies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method called 'scatter labeled imaging of microvasculature in excised tissue' (SLIME) using optical coherence tomography (OCT), which involves perfusing tissue samples with a contrast agent, cross-linking it to prevent leakage, and then using optical clearing agents to enhance imaging depth and contrast, allowing for fast and cost-effective 3D microvascular imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 3D microvascular imaging methods (micro-CT, confocal microscopy) are used, then imaging resolution and detail are improved, but device complexity, cost, and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (micro-CT scanners, confocal microscopes) with a simpler optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. By using OCT technology with scatter-labeled contrast agents, the method achieves high-resolution 3D microvascular imaging without requiring the complex mechanical scanning and reconstruction systems of conventional methods, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining imaging precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the tissue by introducing scatter-labeled contrast agents that modify light scattering properties. This allows OCT to achieve enhanced contrast and resolution for microvascular imaging, transforming the tissue's optical characteristics to be more suitable for the simpler OCT modality rather than requiring complex imaging equipment
2Measurement precision
If conventional 3D microvascular imaging methods are used, then imaging quality is improved, but processing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming conventional imaging methods with OCT, which provides rapid volumetric data acquisition. The scatter-labeled contrast agent enables real-time or near-real-time imaging with high quality, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining or improving imaging quality through the inherent speed advantages of OCT technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary labeling of the vasculature with scatter-labeled contrast agents before imaging, which simplifies the subsequent imaging process. This pre-preparation step enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and enables faster, higher-quality imaging without requiring complex post-processing or repeated scanning, thus reducing overall processing time
3Loss of information
If conventional 3D microvascular imaging methods are used, then detailed vascular structure visualization is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional imaging systems with a more cost-effective OCT system. By using scatter-labeled contrast agents that enhance the OCT signal, the method achieves detailed vascular structure visualization at a lower cost, making high-quality microvascular imaging more accessible and economically viable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical scattering parameters of blood vessels through contrast agent labeling, enabling detailed vascular structure visualization using the cheaper and simpler OCT modality. This parameter transformation allows cost-effective imaging to achieve the same informational detail as expensive conventional methods
4Volume of moving object
If large volume tissue imaging is performed with conventional methods, then complete vascular mapping is improved, but time consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow conventional imaging methods with high-speed OCT technology that can rapidly acquire volumetric data. The scatter-labeled contrast agents enhance the OCT signal throughout the entire tissue volume, enabling complete vascular mapping of large samples at high speeds, thus improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary uniform distribution of scatter-labeled contrast agents throughout the vasculature of the entire tissue volume before imaging. This pre-labeling ensures that all vascular structures throughout the large volume are equally visible, enabling rapid complete mapping without requiring sequential sectioning or repeated imaging, thus dramatically improving imaging speed and productivity
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
SLIME provides high-speed, high-resolution, and wide-field 3D microvascular imaging without shadowing artifacts, enabling efficient visualization and quantification of microvascular morphology, suitable for large cohort studies and diverse biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
the tissue sample can then be immersed in a solution comprising an optical clearing agent
Implementation Method 2
scatter labeled imaging of microvasculature in excised tissue (SLIME) based on optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a simple, fast, and low cost method for 3D microvascular imaging, termed “scatter labeled imaging of microvasculature in excised tissue” (SLIME). The method can include perfusing a contrast agent through vasculature of a tissue sample. The contrast agent can include colloids and a dispersant. After the contrast agent is perfused through the vasculature, the vasculature of the tissue sample can be treated with a molecule that cross links with at least a portion of the dispersant to form a sticky, non-Newtonian polymer that prevents leakage of the contrast agent out of the vasculature of the tissue sample. The tissue sample can then be immersed in a solution comprising a clearing agent and subsequently imaged.