Research

We pioneered a molecular imaging technique where short light pulses are converted into ultrasound waves by an absorbing nanoparticle agent.  The particle is molecularly targeted to a tumor-associated biomarker (e.g., a_vb3 integrin) such that upon intravenous injection to a tumor-bearing animal, the nanoparticles will create an image representing the biomarker distribution in the tumor. This technique provides significantly improved spatial resolution and depth of penetration compared to conventional optical imaging.

We are interested in developing novel imaging techniques for identifying and characterizing a tumor in clinical settings. We have recently developed a novel nanoparticle which produces MRI, Photoacoustic and Raman spectroscopy signals (triple-modality) and exhibit excellent tumor-targeting capability upon intravenous injection to a tumor-bearing mouse. These nanoparticles accurately stain the tumor margins, including the small finger-like protrusions that typically extend off brain tumors to surrounding healthy tissues.

Current ocular imaging modalities provide primarily structural information. We aim to develop new molecular imaging techniques to visualize the molecular expression of various key biomarkers in living eyes under health and disease states. We have recently demonstrated that photoacoustic imaging can provide 3D imaging of the posterior eye (retina and choroid layers) with high penetration and SNR (see picture).