City College of New York (CCNY) of the City University of New York (CUNY) aims to acquire a state-of-the-art Vevo 2100 high-resolution micro-imaging ultrasound system from Visualsonics. This imaging system will enable both basic science and translational research by providing a novel biomedical research and ultrasound contrast imaging platform for in vivo and ex-vivo studies in several research fields. High resolution ultrasound allows real-time longitudinal studies on many research fields such as cancer, atherosclerosis, tendon, cartilage and ligament damage, tissue repair by stem cells, drug delivery, tissue biomechanics in cardiovascular/soft tissues, the development of novel molecular probes and basic science research on wave propagation on poroelastic media, experimental fluid mechanics by Doppler velocimetry and development of photoacoustic sensors. No such kind of imaging equipment exist in
CCNY, therefore, acquisition of this system will provide the perfect complement to the existing imaging capabilities at CCNY (i.e. microCT, confocal and light microscopes). Several faculty members from different departments of CCNY (BME, ME, EE, Biology) will benefit of such system.
The goal of this proposal was to acquire a state-of-the-art Vevo 2100 ultrasound system from Visualsonics for in vitro and in vivo small animal imaging at the City College of New York. The Vevo® 2100 from Visualsonics is a high-resolution micro-imaging ultrasound system that provides high-resolution imaging down to 30µm of anatomical structures and 2-3µm spatial detectability of cells and tissues using micro-bubbles coated with antibodies (functional molecular imaging) in small animal models. This system features the highest frame rate of acquisition in the market (up to 1000 frames per second) providing the best tradeoff between temporal and spatial resolution specifications when compared to other technologies. Linear array probes with center frequency ranging from 15MHz to 70MHz enable the researcher to image to depths of 36mm with a field of view up to 33mm. The system supports several imaging modes, including 3D Imaging, M-Mode, Doppler, Digital RF, Contrast Imaging, and VevoStrain. INTELLECTUAL MERIT. A summary of major research findings generated by the use of this micro-imaging ultrasound system include: 1) experimentally measure the stiffness, ultimate strength and rupture threshold on human coronary atheromas with and without macrocalcifications. The data acquired with the system has been used for one grant proposal submission on the adverse role of calcifications on human plaque rupture. 2) the B-mode capabilities of the system are used to produce images of bone contour and through propagation in small animal bones, for characterization of bone loss. 3) The Digital RF signals are used for analysis of the two waves generated in porous media and human bone, to fully characterize the elastic properties of bone in a recently funded NSF grant proposal by Profs Cowin and Cardoso. 4) Imaging the progression of the ear development in a small animal using high resolution ultrasound instead of sacrificing the animal for µCT scanning. 5) Ongoing development of an acousto-optic sensor for high frequency imaging of biological tissues, with better penetration and resolution than IVUS and OCT. 6) created a real life local model of the subarachnoid architecture using the micro-imaging ultrasound imaging system for engineering analysis of blunt impacts to the skull and brain damage. 7) Visualize changes over time on several biomechanical factors that affect plaque stability in the aorta and coronay arteries. 8) Investigated the effect of mechanical stimulus to hMSC in vitro with minimal thermal effects using non-focused ultrasound waves. 9) Imaging of the brain microvasculature using high resolution ultrasound and vasculature enhanced imaging with micro bubbles to determine the effect of blood brain barrier drugs over time. 10) Assessment of development and localization of atherosclerotic plaques in the circulation of ApoE-/- mouse. 11) Analysis of self-assembling peptide-based bubbles as contrast agent for biomedical imaging in small animal models. BROAD IMPACT. The micro-imaging ultrasound equipment is producing a significant educational impact on the engineering and science students working in City College of CUNY in a number of different ways. (1) It is increasing the research possibilities for undergraduates, graduate students and faculty and it has enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration both within the college and with our hospital partners in the New York Center for Biomedical Engineering (NYCBE). (2) It increased the number of courses with hands-on lab experience available to our students, particularly enriching undergraduate and graduate biomedical imaging courses through a module in Biomedical Imaging courses. (3) It is enhancing the training of undergraduate (through summer research opportunities) and graduate students (PhD research) in imaging methods, including image reconstruction, image processing, numerical modeling, finite element analysis and research design. This is expected to strengthen the imaging emphasis in our campus that will better prepare CCNY students for industry and graduate study. Gaining experience in three-dimensional imaging using micro-imaging ultrasound would enhance the industry opportunities for our biomedical students upon graduation by including numerous emerging fields as well as create opportunities for graduate research in these areas. (4) Increased the number of undergraduate and graduate abstracts at conferences and symposia, positively impacting student's opportunities to interact with other researchers and get exposed to most current research topics in their field of study. (5) It stimulates the inclusion and retention of members of underrepresented groups. (6) It increased the internship opportunities for underrepresented students interested in Science and Engineering. Overall, this imaging system has significantly improved the educational capabilities for undergraduate and graduate students including those from underrepresented minorities at our institution.
