Photoacoustic tomography of fluorescent contrast agents using pump-probe-excitation

• Applicant: Professor Jan Laufer, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology ; Biophysics
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 462094113

Biomedical photoacoustic (PA) tomography is based on the generation of ultrasound in tissue via the absorption of intensity-modulated light. Due to the dominant absorption of haemoglobin in the visible and near infrared wavelength range, high-resolution 3D images of the vascular networks in soft tissue can be acquired. The PA effect also provides contrast to exogenous contrast agents. Current methods for determining the spatial contrast agent distribution from PA images are limited in their sensitivity, specificity and general validity. In this project, novel experimental and numerical approaches for the detection of fluorophores by pump-probe excitation will be developed and combined with accurate numerical methods to open up a wide range of new applications in multiplexed PA imaging of biophysical and biochemical parameters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants