Micro-endoscope for in vivo widefield high spatial resolution fluorescent imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging
• In Vivo Microscopy

Background:

• Minimally invasive imaging is crucial for studying biological processes deep within tissues.
• Existing imaging techniques often face limitations in penetration depth and resolution for in vivo applications.
• Epi-fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool, but requires specialized probes for deep tissue access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a novel scannerless probe for minimally invasive, deep tissue imaging.
• To enable in vivo epi-fluorescence microscopy with enhanced penetration depth and resolution.
• To demonstrate the probe's utility in imaging specific biological structures.

Main Methods:

• Development of a scannerless probe with a 710 microm outer diameter.
• Configuration of the probe for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) imaging.
• Testing of the probe's imaging capabilities, including field of view (500 microm) and penetration depth (15 mm).
• Evaluation of lateral resolution (2.5 microm).

Main Results:

• Successful design and testing of the scannerless probe.
• Demonstrated maximum tissue penetration depth of 15 mm.
• Achieved a lateral resolution of 2.5 microm.
• Successfully imaged the pituitary gland in rats and zebrafish hearts.

Conclusions:

• The developed scannerless probe is effective for minimally invasive, deep tissue in vivo imaging.
• The probe's configuration allows for high-resolution imaging of eGFP labeled structures.
• This technology holds potential for advancing in vivo biological research and diagnostics.