Designing a Multimodal Microscopic Device for Label-Free Detection of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common epithelial cancer, requires early identification for treatment. Our innovative multimodal microscopic system allows bright-field microscopy, autofluorescence microscopy, quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) using the transport of intensity equation (TIE), and autofluorescence spectroscopy from a single field of view (FOV). This integrated method permits morphological and biochemical analysis of unstained tissue sections without labeling. Autofluorescence imaging in well-differentiated SCC tissue was distinct from normal tissue. The same field of view autofluorescence spectra showed a considerable increase in emission intensity at 550 nm, indicating pathological changes. It eliminates the need for dyes by using endogenous fluorophores to contrast healthy, dysplasia, and cancerous oral tissues. The autofluorescence spectroscopy method instantly collects emission spectra, quantifying metabolic changes linked with cancer progression. QPM improves refractive index distribution mapping sensitivity, enhancing spectral data for label-free diagnosis.