Chip-Scale Angle-Selective Imager for In Vivo Microscopic Cancer Detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optoelectronics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Identifying microscopic residual cancer foci during surgery remains a significant clinical challenge.
• Current imaging techniques often lack the resolution and sensitivity required for in vivo detection of minimal residual disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a miniaturized image sensor with angle-selective gratings for enhanced resolution in contact imaging applications.
• To enable precise, real-time detection of microscopic residual cancer during intraoperative procedures.

Main Methods:

• An image sensor was designed incorporating angle-selective gratings within CMOS metal layers to limit the field of view and reduce image blur.
• A high-gain capacitive transimpedance amplifier pixel with a custom capacitor and leakage current minimization circuit was implemented.
• The sensor's performance was evaluated using fluorescently labeled cancer cell foci and in vivo mouse models.

Main Results:

• The developed sensor achieved a sensitivity of [Formula: see text] and a dark current of [Formula: see text].
• Demonstrated successful imaging and detection of cancer foci containing fewer than 200 cells within 50 ms, with signal-to-noise ratios exceeding 15 dB.
• Validated the detection of microscopic residual tumors in mice models using the miniaturized sensor.

Conclusions:

• The novel image sensor with angle-selective gratings offers a promising solution for intraoperative cancer imaging.
• The sensor's miniaturization and high performance facilitate in vivo detection of microscopic residual disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.
• This technology enables enhanced surgical precision by allowing manipulation within complex tumor cavities.