High-Resolution Imaging of Biological Soft and Hard Tissues Using NIR Scintillators

Near-infrared (NIR) luminescence has emerged as a powerful tool in biological imaging due to its nondestructive nature, high spatiotemporal resolution, and deep tissue penetration. However, traditional NIR imaging often fails to provide detailed information about hard tissues such as bones. In this study, an approach for simultaneous imaging of soft and hard tissues using Lu_1.5Mg_1.5Al_3.5Si_1.5O₁₂: Yb³⁺ as an NIR scintillator is presented. Under X-ray irradiation, Lu_1.5Mg_1.5Al_3.5Si_1.5O₁₂: Yb³⁺ scintillator emits NIR emission with a peak at 970 nm with thermal quenching resistance, which is strongly absorbed by soft tissues, enabling soft tissue imaging. Additionally, the scintillator provides a high signal-to-noise ratio for X-ray imaging, allowing for high-resolution imaging of hard tissues, unaffected by ambient light, with a spatial resolution of up to 203 µm. By leveraging X-ray as the sole excitation source, this method provides a comprehensive view of internal biological structures, including vascular and skeletal tissues, with high resolution and minimal interference. This innovation holds great promise for advancing medical imaging technologies and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.