The long-term objective of this collaborative research project is to commercialize a prototype photoacoustic computed-tomography (PCT) scanner for conducting preclinical molecular imaging. This scanner has been developed by OptoSonics with funding from a Fast Track SBIR grant from the National Cancer Institute (R44-CA-102891) and additional private funding from our Endra, Inc. Researchers at Indiana University, Purdue University and OptoSonics evaluated this device in a number of murine models of cancer and developed quantitative techniques to measure hemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation and accumulation of exogenous molecular probes in tissue in three dimensions with spatial resolution <350 ?m. This Bridge grant will supplement additional financing from Endra for continued product development, including instrumentation and software features to be validated in animal models of cancer.
The long-term objective of this collaborative research project is to commercialize a prototype photoacoustic computed-tomography (PCT) scanner for conducting preclinical molecular imaging. Photoacoustic imaging has been validated in multiple disease areas and conditions, including oxygenation in blood vessels, direct imaging of human synovial fluid, high resolution rat brain imaging, mouse tumor heterogeneity, and polycystic kidney disease. Photoacoustic imaging is particularly well suited to imaging conditions with inherent soft tissue contrast, and can be augmented with existing and novel contrast agents. PCT can also be used with electromagnetic radiation other then optical, e.g., microwaves. We have also demonstrated that PCT imaging results can be correlated spatially with ultrasound, X-Ray CT and PET. Though not the focus of this research program, applications will be extended to human use following validation in preclinical studies, such as the ones we propose. PCT has only scratched the surface of its utility and has the potential to become a standard of care in multiple areas.
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