Researchers from City University of Hong Kong have developed a super-sensitive, multi-spectral photoacoustic microscopy system. This innovation, described in Advanced Science, holds the potential to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and stroke.
Photoacoustic microscopy combines ultrasound detection and laser-induced photoacoustic signals to create high-resolution images of biological tissues. However, the technique has been limited by its sensitivity, obstructing its broader application in clinical settings.
Led by Wang Lidai, the team tackled this challenge by creating the super-low-dose photoacoustic microscopy (SLD-PAM) system, which surpasses the sensitivity constraints of conventional methods by about 33 times. This achievement was realized through a combination of improvements in photoacoustic sensor design and the development of a 4D spectral-spatial filter algorithm.
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The system employs a customized high-numerical-aperture acoustic lens and an optimized optical and acoustic beam combiner, enhancing sensor design. The SLD-PAM also incorporates a multi-wavelength pulsed laser with 11 wavelengths ranging from green to red light, operating at a high repetition frequency and sub-microsecond spectral switching time.
The significance of the SLD-PAM system was demonstrated through in vivo animal imaging with low-power lasers. The outcomes were encouraging. Firstly, the system facilitated high-quality anatomical and functional imaging while significantly reducing perturbations during eye and brain imaging. Secondly, it substantially decreased photobleaching by around 85% without compromising image quality. This allowed for a wider range of molecular and nano-probes, lowering costs and making it more accessible for research labs and clinics.
Lidai envisions the SLD-PAM system as a potent tool for anatomical, functional, and molecular imaging. The technology's non-invasive nature and minimal tissue damage potential make it promising for a variety of biomedical applications. Future plans involve expanding the range of molecules and biomarkers tested with the system and developing wearable or portable microscopy using various low-power light sources.