SPECIAL BME RESEARCH SEMINAR

Friday, June 28, 2024

3:30 – 4:30 pm, MJIS 2001

“Supercontinuum intrinsic fluorescence imaging microscopy”

Geng Wang
Vadim Backman Lab, Biomedical Engineering,

Northwestern University

Abstract: Multiphoton fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for revealing complex biological systems with high contrast, minimal out-of-focus bleaching, and deep penetration. However, clinical applications face challenges such as the need for stable, tunable laser sources, comprehensive biological information, phototoxicity, and the development of universal quality control tools. Here, we developed supercontinuum intrinsic fluorescence imaging (SCIFI) microscopy. This technique enables co-registered label-free 4-photon (tryptophan), 3-photon (NAD(P)H), 2-photon (FAD, porphyrin/lipofuscin), second harmonic generation (collagen), third harmonic generation (optical heterogeneity), and fluorescence lifetime imaging with single-shot, single-band excitation near 1110 nm. Our laser source features a tunable wavelength range of 950-1150 nm, pulse repetition rates of 1-10 MHz, and pulse widths of 40-400 fs, maintaining stability over 2000 hours. We explored the mechanisms of phototoxicity in nonlinear imaging, identified safe imaging parameters, and developed a universal tool for objective imaging performance comparison. SCIFI maximizes the information obtained from fluorescence microscopy while minimizing harm, paving the way for clinical translation.

~ BME Host: Fang Huang ~