Photoacoustic Microscopy for Multiscale Biological System Visualization and Clinical Translation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Optoacoustic Physics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) provides noninvasive, high-resolution imaging with superior optical contrast.
• PAM utilizes ultrasonic signals for deep tissue visualization, surpassing limitations of purely optical methods.
• This review synthesizes recent PAM advancements, applications, and clinical translation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review technological innovations and applications of PAM.
• To explore PAM's potential for clinical translation.
• To identify limitations and future directions for PAM development.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in PAM technology, including scanners, transducers, AI algorithms, and molecular agents.
• Survey of organ-specific applications in single-cell analysis, microcirculation, renal clearance, tumor detection, and neuroscience.
• Analysis of prospective clinical uses and persistent limitations.

Main Results:

• PAM performance is enhanced by high-speed scanners, array transducers, AI algorithms, and molecular agents.
• PAM demonstrates diverse applications, including single-cell analysis and tumor metastasis detection.
• Clinical translation is promising for intraoperative guidance and point-of-care diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• PAM is a versatile tool with significant potential for clinical applications.
• Future advancements require multimodal integration, AI, and standardized protocols.
• PAM is poised to become a clinical mainstay in precision medicine.