Line-scanning confocal microscopy for high-resolution imaging of upconverting rare-earth-based contrast agents

Laura M. Higgins; Margot A. Zevon; Vidya Ganapathy; Yang Sheng; Mei Chee Tan; Richard E. Riman; Charles M. Roth; Prabhas V. Moghe; Mark C. Pierce

doi:10.1117/1.JBO.20.11.110506

25 November 2015 Line-scanning confocal microscopy for high-resolution imaging of upconverting rare-earth-based contrast agents

Laura M. Higgins, Margot A. Zevon, Vidya Ganapathy, Yang Sheng, Mei Chee Tan, Richard E. Riman, Charles M. Roth, Prabhas V. Moghe, Mark C. Pierce

Author Affiliations +

Funded by: National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institutes of Health

Journal of Biomedical Optics, Vol. 20, Issue 11, 110506 (November 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.20.11.110506

Abstract

Rare-earth (RE) doped nanocomposites emit visible luminescence when illuminated with continuous wave near-infrared light, making them appealing candidates for use as contrast agents in biomedical imaging. However, the emission lifetime of these materials is much longer than the pixel dwell times used in scanning intravital microscopy. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a line-scanning confocal microscope for high-resolution, optically sectioned imaging of samples labeled with RE-based nanomaterials. Instrument performance is quantified using calibrated test objects. NaYF₄:Er,Yb nanocomposites are imaged in vitro, and in ex vivo tissue specimens, with direct comparison to point-scanning confocal microscopy. We demonstrate that the extended pixel dwell time of line-scanning confocal microscopy enables subcellular-level imaging of these nanomaterials while maintaining optical sectioning. The line-scanning approach thus enables microscopic imaging of this emerging class of contrast agents for preclinical studies, with the potential to be adapted for real-time in vivo imaging in the clinic.

Citation Download Citation

Laura M. Higgins, Margot A. Zevon, Vidya Ganapathy, Yang Sheng, Mei Chee Tan, Richard E. Riman, Charles M. Roth, Prabhas V. Moghe, and Mark C. Pierce "Line-scanning confocal microscopy for high-resolution imaging of upconverting rare-earth-based contrast agents," Journal of Biomedical Optics 20(11), 110506 (25 November 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.20.11.110506

Published: 25 November 2015

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

JOURNAL ARTICLE
4 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY