Clinically translatable molecular photoacoustic imaging: requirements and approaches

Abstract

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) has emerged as a powerful modality capable of providing accurate and quantitative 3D molecular and functional tissue information with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, widespread use of molecular PAI is severely limited by availability of validated and clinically translatable exogenous contrast agents. Here we will first present a set of requirements and specifications that need to be addressed in order to achieve a clinically translatable solution for molecular PAI. Then we will present a new class of molecular contrast agents for PAI that are based on antibody-targeted, liposome-encapsulated dye-aggregates. Through the use of tissue-mimicking phantoms, in vitro, and in vivo orthotopic ovarian cancer model, we will show that these agents, which are composed of all FDA approved components, can potentially address clinical needs for a photoacoustic (PA) contrast agent.