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Published on: December 15, 2017
Tissue Imaging and Quantification Relying on Endogenous Contrast
Zhiyi Liu1, Jia Meng2, Kyle P Quinn3
1State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, College of Optical Science and Engineering, International Research Center for Advanced Photonics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. liuzhiyi07@zju.edu.cn.
Optical imaging of cellular metabolism and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization reveals disease insights. Quantitative analysis of endogenous contrast agents like NAD(P)H and FAD provides novel biomarkers for disease detection and therapeutic targeting.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Cellular Metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Biology
Background:
- Cell-matrix interactions are crucial for multicellular organism function and disease pathogenesis.
- Altered cell-ECM interactions significantly impact cellular and matrix features, offering insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in quantitative optical imaging of cellular metabolism and ECM organization.
- To highlight the use of endogenous contrast for metabolic and structural analysis.
- To demonstrate applications in disease assessment and tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) imaging of autofluorescent coenzymes NAD(P)H and FAD.
- Extraction of optical biomarkers: cellular redox state, NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime, mitochondrial clustering.
- Quantitative analysis of collagen fiber spatial organization and orientation in 2D and 3D.
Main Results:
- TPEF imaging provides metabolic information (redox state, lifetime, clustering) for adipose tissue and skin cancer detection.
- Combined optical metrics offer complementary insights into biological mechanisms.
- Quantitative ECM analysis reveals matrix remodeling in wound healing, osteoarthritis, cancer, and engineered tissues.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative optical imaging of cellular metabolism and ECM organization using endogenous contrast is a powerful tool for disease research.
- These methods provide critical insights into disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.
- Future research directions include further development and application of these advanced imaging techniques.
