Miniaturized multichannel near infrared endoscope for mouse imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Optical Imaging

Background:

• High-resolution in vivo imaging is crucial for preclinical research.
• Existing endoscopic systems may lack the capability for simultaneous multi-channel near-infrared (NIR) imaging.
• Detecting molecular targets and physiological processes in real-time is essential for disease monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and construct a miniaturized multichannel NIR endoscopic imaging system for high-resolution imaging in mice.
• To enable simultaneous real-time video imaging in white light and two independent NIR channels.
• To assess and compensate for spectral cross-talk between NIR channels.

Main Methods:

• Development of a miniaturized endoscopic imaging system with white light and dual NIR channels.
• Testing with nanomolar concentrations of Cy5.5 and Cy7 fluorochromes.
• Assessment, modeling, and compensation of spectral cross-talk between NIR channels.
• In vivo validation using a mouse model of colonic adenomatosis.

Main Results:

• The system achieved independent acquisition of Cy5.5 and Cy7 fluorochromes at nanomolar concentrations.
• Spectral cross-talk was quantified and compensated, with calculated values of 5.5% and 22% for NIR700 and NIR780 channels, respectively.
• Simultaneous, independent, and repeated detection of perfusion and protease activity in live mice was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The developed miniaturized multichannel NIR endoscopic imaging system provides high-resolution in vivo imaging capabilities.
• The system allows for simultaneous and independent detection of molecular targets and physiological parameters.
• This technology holds promise for diverse in vivo imaging applications in preclinical research.