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Published on: July 17, 2012
A Wireless, Multicolor Fluorescence Image Sensor Implant for Real-Time Monitoring in Cancer Therapy
Micah Roschelle1, Rozhan Rabbani1, Surin Gweon1
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720 USA.
Abstract:
Real-time monitoring of dynamic biological processes in the body is critical to understanding disease progression and treatment response. This data, for instance, can help address the lower than 50% response rates to cancer immunotherapy. However, current clinical imaging modalities lack the molecular contrast, resolution, and chronic usability for rapid and accurate response assessments. Here, we present a fully wireless image sensor featuring a 2.5×5 mm2 CMOS integrated circuit for multicolor fluorescence imaging deep in tissue. The sensor operates wirelessly via ultrasound (US) at 5 cm depth in oil, harvesting energy with 221 mW/cm2 incident US power density (31% of FDA limits) and backscattering data at 13 kbps with a bit error rate <10-6. In-situ fluorescence excitation is provided by micro-laser diodes controlled with a programmable on-chip driver. An optical frontend combining a multi-bandpass interference filter and a fiber optic plate provides >6 OD excitation blocking and enables three-color imaging for detecting multiple cell types. A 36×40-pixel array captures images with <125 μm resolution. We demonstrate wireless, dual-color fluorescence imaging of both effector and suppressor immune cells in ex vivo mouse tumor samples with and without immunotherapy. These results show promise for providing rapid insight into therapeutic response and resistance, guiding personalized medicine.
Insights
A new wireless, implantable sensor enables real-time, multicolor fluorescence imaging deep within tissue. This technology can monitor immune cells and assess cancer immunotherapy response, advancing personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Imaging
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Real-time monitoring of biological processes is crucial for understanding disease and treatment efficacy, particularly for cancer immunotherapy with suboptimal response rates.
- Current imaging techniques lack the necessary molecular contrast, resolution, and chronic usability for timely assessment of treatment response.
- Advanced imaging tools are needed to provide rapid and accurate insights into therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully wireless, miniaturized image sensor for deep-tissue multicolor fluorescence imaging.
- To enable real-time monitoring of dynamic biological processes, including immune cell activity.
- To assess the potential for guiding personalized medicine by evaluating therapeutic response.
Main Methods:
- A 2.5×5 mm2 CMOS integrated circuit was designed for wireless operation via ultrasound (US) at 5 cm depth.
- The sensor harvests energy using incident US power and backscatters data at 13 kbps with a low bit error rate.
- In-situ fluorescence excitation is achieved using micro-laser diodes, and an optical frontend enables three-color imaging with high excitation blocking.
Main Results:
- The wireless sensor achieved deep-tissue imaging at 5 cm depth with <125 μm resolution.
- Dual-color fluorescence imaging of effector and suppressor immune cells was demonstrated in ex vivo mouse tumor samples.
- The system successfully operated wirelessly, harvesting energy and transmitting data with high fidelity.
Conclusions:
- The developed wireless fluorescence imaging sensor shows significant promise for real-time monitoring of biological processes.
- This technology can provide rapid insights into therapeutic response and resistance in cancer immunotherapy.
- The findings support the potential of this device for guiding personalized medicine strategies.
