Towards noninvasive molecular fluorescence imaging of the human brain

Fluorescence molecular brain imaging is a new modality allowing the detection of specific contrast agents down to very low concentration ranges (picomolar) in disease models. Here we demonstrate a first noninvasive application of fluorescence imaging in the human brain, where concentrations down to about 100 nM of a nonspecific dye were detected. We argue that due to its high sensitivity, optical molecular imaging of the brain is feasible, which - together with its bedside applicability - makes it a promising technique for use in patients.