Seminar on
Modern Optics and Spectroscopy


Sam Achilefu, Washington University

Spying cancers with colorful molecules

December 12 , 2006

12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. Grier Room 34-401


Abstract:

Accurate and rapid detection of tumors is of great importance for assessing the molecular basis of cancer pathogenesis, preventing the onset of complications, and implementing a tailored therapeutic regimen. While many human diseases have been studied successfully by using differences in the intrinsic optical properties of normal and pathologic tissues, molecular imaging of the expression of aberrant genes, proteins, and other pathophysiologic processes would be enhanced by the use of highly specific exogenous colorful materials, particularly near infrared (NIR) fluorescent molecules. Unfortunately, the broad absorption and emission spectral profiles of NIR biocompatible molecular probes limit their use to multiplex information content by conventional fluorescence intensity measurements. To address this problem, we have developed a variety of optical molecular contrast effectors and methods for imaging tumors in the NIR region. Cellular, small animal and human tissue imaging studies show that the molecular probes are retained preferentially in the target cells and tissue. Confocal microscopy, planar and time-domain diffuse optical tomography systems were used in these studies.

TUESDAYS, 12:00-1:00, GRIER ROOM (34-401)
Refreshments served following the seminar

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Co-sponsored by the George R. Harrison Spectroscopy Laboratory,
the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and
the School of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.