# Concurrent volumetric imaging with multimodal optical systems

> **NIH NIH R21** · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $310,278

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The rapid adoption of genetically modified animals and fluorescently labeled biocompatible nanoparticles for
drug delivery in biomedical science have increased demand for imaging technologies capable of fast
volumetric imaging to enable longitudinal investigations of cell dynamics in their natural environment. The
complexity of information required to understand tissue response to injury and treatment has also generated
increased interest in multimodal imaging systems that combine complementary performance strengths.
In this regard, we have developed an integrated dual-modality imaging system that combines optical
coherence microscopy (OCM) and dual-channel confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) to enable the
simultaneous measurements of fluorescence and reflectance from deep tissue layers. The combined system
provides a unique opportunity to inform cells’ behavior in their natural environment by offering complementary
information not available with either system alone. CFM interogates the distribution of fluorescently labeled
molecules in cells. OCM is a label-free, episcopic method providing information about the cell boundaries,
extracellular matrix, and thickness changes in layers of normal and pathogenic tissues.
Despite its potential, the integration of these technologies is incomplete without the capability of concurrent
volumetric imaging allowing the tracking of cell dynamics progressively in the same specimen. As for scanning-
based systems, fast volumetric imaging in OCM and CFM requires dynamic focusing at the level of individual
scanning points, which is challenging due to the limited temporal resolution of dynamic focusing devices.
This project aims to establish the capability of the tunable acoustic gradient lens, the fastest dynamic
focusing technology to date, in OCM and CFM to enable a fast volumetric and concurrent imaging of
depth-resolved reflectance and fluorescence from deep tissue layers in vivo. This integration will have a
tremendous impact on biomedical research as OCM and CFM technologies remain the most affordable, flexible,
and the latter is readily available in many research facilities. We propose the following two specific aims:
Aim 1: Enable fast volumetric imaging in confocal fluorescence microscopy.
Aim 2: Enable extended depth-of-field in optical coherence microscopy.
Significance
The ability to concurrently acquire volumetric information such as reflectance and fluorescence rapidly from
deep tissue layers will provide a powerful tool for longitudinal investigations into developmental and
pathophysiological mechanisms in various research fields and facilitate in vivo cell tracking in the same
specimen while increasing the rigor and reproducibility of studies by decreasing the inter-subject variability that
can affect the outcomes of cellular processes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10877767
- **Project number:** 5R21EB034938-02
- **Recipient organization:** TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Patrice Tankam
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $310,278
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2025-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10877767

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10877767, Concurrent volumetric imaging with multimodal optical systems (5R21EB034938-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10877767. Licensed CC0.

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