Microelectromechanical systems scanning-mirror-based handheld probe for fluorescence molecular tomography

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) is crucial for in vivo molecular imaging.
• Existing FMT systems can be bulky and lack portability.
• Miniaturization of FMT probes is needed for enhanced accessibility and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel handheld probe for 3D FMT.
• To utilize microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology for probe miniaturization and enhanced functionality.
• To demonstrate the probe's capability in imaging fluorescent probes in phantoms and small animals.

Main Methods:

• A handheld probe integrating a MEMS scanning mirror for excitation light delivery was designed.
• An optical fiber array was incorporated for efficient collection of fluorescent emission.
• Phantom experiments using indocyanine green (ICG) and in vivo studies with tumor-bearing mice were performed.

Main Results:

• The MEMS-based probe successfully delivered excitation light to multiple points on tissue surfaces.
• The device demonstrated effective collection of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent signals from phantoms.
• In vivo imaging of tumor-targeted NIR probes in mice confirmed the probe's potential for small animal studies.

Conclusions:

• A novel, miniaturized handheld 3D FMT probe based on MEMS technology has been successfully developed.
• The probe shows promise for preclinical imaging applications, particularly in small animal models.
• This technology offers a portable and efficient solution for fluorescence molecular tomography.