A practical guide to photoacoustic tomography in the life sciences

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Optical Physics
• Life Sciences

Background:

• Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for linking microscopic findings to macroscopic observations in life sciences.
• Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a sensitive imaging modality capable of high-speed visualization of optical absorption contrast across various spatial scales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamentals of photoacoustic tomography (PAT).
• To provide practical guidelines for selecting PAT systems tailored to specific research requirements.
• To summarize key biomedical applications, challenges, and future potential of PAT.

Main Methods:

• PAT utilizes endogenous contrast for anatomical, functional, metabolic, and histological tissue properties.
• Exogenous contrast agents enhance PAT for molecular and cellular specificity.
• PAT operates across spatial scales from organelles to small animals.

Main Results:

• PAT complements other imaging modalities in contrast, penetration, and resolution.
• The technology enables imaging of diverse biological structures and processes.
• PAT demonstrates significant potential for breakthroughs in various life science research areas.

Conclusions:

• Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a versatile imaging technology with broad applications in the life sciences.
• Understanding PAT fundamentals and system matching is key to successful research implementation.
• PAT is poised to drive significant advancements in biomedical research and diagnostics.