# Multimodal multifocal confocal Raman and phase microscopy with enhanced resolution

> **NIH NIH P41** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2021 · $157,748

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
TRD 3: RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY AND IMAGING
Investigators: R.R. Dasari (3.1) [co-lead]; I. Barman (3.2); C.L. Evans (3.3) [co-lead]
Raman technologies offer the ability to detect, quantify, and visualize molecular species with high sensitivity and
high resolution via their unique vibrational fingerprints, enabling a host of biomedical applications ranging from
bench to the bedside. The LBRC has been a leader in Raman technology development with contributions such
as: blood glucose sensing toolkits, chemometric algorithms, and clinical Raman spectroscopy systems. In this
next cycle, the LBRC pushes technologies in three exciting areas: developing a high-speed multimodal
confocal Raman and phase microscopy with enhanced resolution to enhance cellular mechanobiology studies
(Aim 3.1), developing technologies for probing cellular nanomechanics and the accompanying biological
responses (Aim 3.2), and developing a portable, robust clinical coherent Raman imaging system for the
assessment of melanoma and other diseases of the skin in vivo (Aim 3.3). The collaboration with Dr. Kato
investigates how sickle red cells aging affects their mechanical properties using Raman imaging of long term
glycemic markers to quantify cell age and phase imaging of membrane fluctuations to quantify cell mechanics
(CP2). The collaboration with Dr. Raman seeks to dissect organ-specific differences in metastatic breast cancer
by determining microenvironment induced biophysical and molecular adaptations (CP5). This collaborative
effort will offer mechanistic insights into metastasis organotropism, a critical step towards discovering optimal
treatment strategies for specific metastatic lesions to improve overall survival. The ongoing collaborative project
with Dr. Fisher will translate current findings on the oncogenic nature of the natural pigment pheomelanin in
animal models to human studies focused on the identification and therapy of amelanotic melanomas (CP6).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10224760
- **Project number:** 5P41EB015871-35
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Peter T. So
- **Activity code:** P41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $157,748
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-06-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10224760

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10224760, Multimodal multifocal confocal Raman and phase microscopy with enhanced resolution (5P41EB015871-35). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10224760. Licensed CC0.

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