Fluorescence-Raman dual modal endoscopic system for multiplexed molecular diagnostics.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Molecular Imaging
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Optical endoscopic imaging aids minimally invasive detection of hollow organ pathologies.
• Recent advancements include bioluminescence, fluorescence, and Raman scattering techniques.
• Multiplexed characterization of pathologic lesions remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual modal fluorescence-Raman endomicroscopic system (FRES) for multiplexed, real-time detection of cancer pathologies.
• To utilize fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes for enhanced molecular detection.
• To assess the system's capability for intraoperative endoscopic tumor characterization.

Main Methods:

• Development of a dual modal fluorescence-Raman endomicroscopic system (FRES).
• Utilized fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes (F-SERS dots).
• Tested in a mouse orthotopic breast cancer model for in vivo detection of Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Main Results:

• Successful real-time, in vivo, and multiplexed detection of specific cancer targets.
• Demonstrated fast imaging via fluorescence and multiplexing via SERS signals.
• Achieved multiplexed detection of HER2 and EGFR on breast cancer xenografts.

Conclusions:

• FRES enables real-time, multiplexed molecular detection during endoscopic procedures.
• The system shows potential as a molecular diagnostic instrument for intraoperative tumor characterization.
• This technology can enhance receptor detection during routine endoscopic examinations.