Optical characterization of cells and tissues is necessary to understanding physiological mechanisms. However, current optical imaging techniques have limited imaging depth, often because of strong optical scattering.
Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a powerful technique which combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the high spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging to simultaneously visualize and interrogate the functionality tissues and cells. Because of this, it has greater specificity, better imaging depth and high contrast to intrinsic and extrinsic chromophores, enabling morphological, functional and molecular imaging of living subjects. Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is a type of PAI and is a remarkable in vivo tissue imaging technique which finds use in both preclinical and clinical research. However, PAM systems need to be configured optimally for their target specific application.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel chamber platform to enable photoacoustic microcopy of thin slices of tissue mounted in the device. The chamber is able to hold media and other liquids required to conduct acoustic waves collected by an immersible transducer. The chamber has a mounting system that allows it to be held with a concentric clamping action. Various iterations allow for usage of 75x25mm glass slides, or for different volumes of media. Design elements of the platform enable easy positioning of the device as well as proper alignment with a transducer.
This novel chamber platform ensures that PAM systems are optimally configured for whatever their target application is.
Potential Applications
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Photoacoustic microscopy
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Preclinical and clinical research
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Benefits and Advantages
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Able to hold media and other liquids required to conduct acoustic waves collected by an immersible transducer
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Has a mounting system that allows it to be held with a concentric clamping action
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Various iterations allow for usage of 75x25mm glass slides, or for different volumes of media
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Design elements enable easy positioning as well as alignment with a transducer
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Minimizes light scatter and residual acoustic generation
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