SWIR Fluorescence Imaging Probe for Deep Tissue Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in vivo imaging technologies face limitations in achieving high resolution and sensitivity simultaneously, especially when imaging whole animals and tissues, due to light scattering and absorption by surrounding tissue, and are hindered by intense background autofluorescence that overlaps with the emission wavelengths of fluorescent probes, making disease detection challenging.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fluorescent probe with a fluorescence spectrum that includes a peak below 900 nm and a tail extending into the short wave infrared (SWIR) spectrum, combined with an excitation source emitting radiation below 900 nm and a detector sensitive to wavelengths greater than 900 nm, reduces autofluorescence from healthy tissues and enhances contrast and resolution by imaging in the SWIR spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible light imaging techniques are used for high resolution imaging, then resolution and sensitivity are improved, but tissue penetration depth is limited due to scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of imaging light from visible range to shortwave infrared range (1000-2000 nm). This parameter change allows light to penetrate deeper into tissue while maintaining imaging capability, as SWIR light experiences reduced scattering and absorption compared to visible light.
2Reliability
If fluorescent probes with emission wavelengths in visible and near infrared ranges are used, then fluorescence detection is achieved, but background autofluorescence from healthy tissues reduces contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the detection wavelength parameter to the shortwave infrared range (1000-2000 nm), where healthy tissue exhibits minimal autofluorescence. This parameter change enables detection of fluorescent probes while avoiding the harmful autofluorescence background that plagues visible and near-infrared imaging, thereby improving contrast and detection accuracy.
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 allows for improved resolution and sensitivity with deeper tissue penetration, reducing background autofluorescence and enabling clearer distinction between pathological and non-pathological structures, thereby enhancing imaging and diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent probe with a fluorescence spectrum that includes a peak below 900 nm and a tail extending into the short wave infrared (SWIR) spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a detector sensitive to wavelengths greater than 900 nm
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring short wave infrared fluorescence and autofluorescent signals are disclosed.