Visualizing Epithelial Expression in Vertical and Horizontal Planes With Dual Axes Confocal Endomicroscope Using...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Epithelial tissue visualization is crucial for understanding early disease mechanisms.
• Current imaging methods face limitations in depth and resolution for vertical tissue planes.
• Dual axes confocal microscopy offers enhanced imaging capabilities by reducing scattering and increasing depth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel scanning mechanism for dual axes confocal endomicroscopy.
• To enable high-resolution imaging in both vertical and horizontal planes within epithelial tissues.
• To visualize molecular targets in pre-malignant colonic epithelium using near-infrared fluorescence.

Main Methods:

• Designed a compact, monolithic scanner using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
• Utilized parametric resonance for large axial displacements and wide lateral deflections.
• Integrated the MEMS chip into an endomicroscope for in vivo and ex vivo imaging.
• Administered Cy5.5-labeled peptide targeting EGFR for molecular imaging.

Main Results:

• Achieved large axial displacements and wide lateral deflections (>20°) with MEMS mirrors.
• Demonstrated imaging capability in vertical planes (depth) and horizontal planes (1x1 mm²) at 5 frames/s.
• Successfully visualized the spatial distribution of EGFR in pre-malignant mouse colonic epithelium.
• The system allows for efficient packaging in the distal end of an endomicroscope.

Conclusions:

• The novel scanning mechanism enhances dual axes confocal endomicroscopy for epithelial tissue analysis.
• This technology facilitates visualization of molecular expression in both vertical and horizontal orientations.
• The compact MEMS-based scanner holds potential for improved early disease detection and research.