Optical imaging of turbid media for medical diagnostics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Physics & Astronomy
Abstract
Non-invasive chemical depth-profiling of materials is of high interest in a broad variety of applications. Spatial offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) is an emerging technique for measuring the subsurface chemical information in diffusely scattering samples, typically from depths of 20 um - 5 mm range, which is beyond the reach of other spectroscopic techniques. However, this depth range is of high interest in medical diagnostics. The main objective of this project is to develop novel optical instrumentation and modelling techniques based on SORS and ultrasound modulation for sub-surface diagnosis of skin. Applications to tissue engineering will also be explored, in particular for non-invasive monitoring the growth of engineered bone grafts.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1794237 | Studentship | EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 12/05/2020 | Max Dooley |
| Description | We demonstrated using a Spatially offset Raman devise we can recover and quantify signal from biologically relevant levels of Hydroxyapatite (Bone mineral)/Collagen(Structural Protein). This Indicates that a correctly designed probe could be able to estimate in-vivo mineralisation of damaged bone and tendons in animal models. The readings are non destructive, this could lead to an increase in efficiency of bone grafting models in animals due to the increased information that this could produce. Time course studies could be run without needing destructive tests at each stage to determine mineralisation instead complete models could be produced from one animal. Our latest advancements mean that we can detect early-stage growth that other systems such as micro CT might miss. |
| Exploitation Route | We hope that these advancements in the quantification of low signal materials (collagen) may allow us to move into the space of monitoring the health of human and animal systems to maximise recovery rates in the future. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |