Targeted vertical cross-sectional imaging with handheld near-infrared dual axes confocal fluorescence endomicroscope.

We demonstrate vertical cross-sectional (XZ-plane) images of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence with a handheld dual axes confocal endomicroscope that reveals specific binding of a Cy5.5-labeled peptide to pre-malignant colonic mucosa. This view is perpendicular to the tissue surface, and is similar to that used by pathologists.

Near-infrared-labeled peptide multimer functions as phage mimic for high affinity, specific targeting of colonic adenomas in vivo (with videos).

Background: Fluorescent-labeled peptides are being developed to improve the endoscopic detection of colonic dysplasia.

Objective: To demonstrate a near-infrared peptide multimer that functions as a phage mimic for in vivo detection of colonic adenomas.

Design: A peptide multimer was synthesized by using trilysine as a dendritic wedge to mimic the presentation of peptides on phage, and all peptides, including the multimer, were fluorescent-labeled with Cy5.

In vivo targeting of colonic dysplasia on fluorescence endoscopy with near-infrared octapeptide.

Objective: To demonstrate a near-infrared (NIR) peptide that is highly specific for colonic adenomas on fluorescence endoscopy in vivo.

Design: A 3 mm diameter endoscope was adapted to deliver 671 nm illumination and collect NIR fluorescence (696-736 nm). Target (QPIHPNNM) and control (YTTNKH) peptides were labelled with Cy5.

Identification of nasal eosinophils using two-photon excited fluorescence.

Background: Eosinophils trigger symptoms in allergic rhinitis. New diagnostic methods for identifying nasal eosinophils based on autofluorescence of flavin adenine dinucleotide in eosinophil granules could offer rapid monitoring without fixation or staining. Two-photon excitation is a powerful method for detecting this intrinsic fluorescence.

Longitudinal molecular imaging with single cell resolution of disseminated ovarian cancer in mice with a LED-based confocal microendoscope.

Purpose: We engineered a flexible fiber-optic microendoscope for longitudinal optical imaging studies in a mouse model of disseminated ovarian cancer.

Procedures: The microendoscope delivers 470 nm excitation light from a light-emitting diode through a fiber-optic bundle with outer diameter of 680 μm. Optics were optimized to maximize power and lateral resolution.

Nondestructive measurement of an optical fiber refractive-index profile by a transmitted-light differential interference contact microscope.

A novel transmitted-light differential interference contrast (DIC) system is used for nondestructive measurement of the refractive-index profile (RIP) of an optical fiber. By means of this system the phase of a measured light beam can be modulated with an analyzer, and the phase distribution of a fiber is obtained by calculation of the various interference patterns. The measurement theory and structure and some typical applications of this system are demonstrated.

Step-height measurement by means of a dual-frequency interferometric confocal microscope.

A novel instrument, the dual-frequency interferometric confocal microscope (DICM), which facilitates the measurement of step features, is investigated. It combines the advantages of the high resolution (subnanometer) of heterodyne interferometry and the relatively large measurement range (approximately 5 microm) of confocal microscopy. The axial response curves of the confocal microscopy system are compared in experiments in which microscopic objects with various numerical apertures and magnifications are used.