Molecular Contrast Optical Coherence Tomography and Its Applications in Medicine

Abstract

The growing need to understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases has prompted the revolution in molecular imaging techniques along with nanomedicine development. Conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a low-cost in vivo imaging modality that provides unique high spatial and temporal resolution anatomic images but little molecular information. However, given the widespread adoption of OCT in research and clinical practice, its robust molecular imaging extensions are strongly desired to combine with anatomical images. A range of relevant approaches has been reported already. In this article, we review the recent advances of molecular contrast OCT imaging techniques, the corresponding contrast agents, especially the nanoparticle-based ones, and their applications. We also summarize the properties, design criteria, merit, and demerit of those contrast agents. In the end, the prospects and challenges for further research and development in this field are outlined.

Advanced nanomaterials for imaging of eye diseases

“…Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional tissue imaging of the retina in ophthalmological applications and works by detection of backscattered photons in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum via low-coherence interferometry [ 18 , 56 , 57 ]. Specifically, OCT produces an image by measuring the echo time delay of the emitted photons, where a longer delay indicates a greater depth of the tissue layer that caused photo reflection.…”

“…OCT remains one of the most commonly used imaging modalities in research and clinical settings due to its effectiveness and low cost relative to other imaging technologies [ 18 ]. Yet, the upfront purchase price of OCT imaging systems remains high and serves as a significant investment for many offices and laboratories.…”

“…These imaging techniques hold the promise of revolutionizing the way we understand, diagnose, and manage ocular diseases. Among the many imaging modalities in ophthalmology, optical coherence tomography (OCT) [ 17 , 18 ], OCT angiography (OCTA) [ 19 , 20 ], fluorescein angiography (FA) [ 21-23 ], and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) [ 24 , 25 ] have all made significant clinical contributions to our ability to visualize the intricate vascular networks of the eye.…”

“…This could possibly allow for early detection of disease onset, possibly resulting in better outcomes. OCT imaging uses the backscattering of light on biological tissue to reconstruct cross-sectional eye images [ 18 ].…”

Molecular Imaging in Nanomedical Research 2.0

“…After describing the concepts and characteristics of general optical coherence tomography systems, Wang and co-workers [ 9 ] describe the recent progress in the application of contrast agents, focusing on the combination of optical coherence tomography and nanoparticle contrast agents in the nanomedical field. The authors discuss the benefits and limitations of this imaging technique, for which a wide range of nanomedical applications is predicted, as they combine sensitive molecular information with high-resolution morphological images.…”