Abstract.
Laser- and sensitive charge-coupled device technology together with advanced mathematical modelling of photon propagation in tissue has prompted the development of novel optical imaging technologies. Fast surface-weighted imaging modalities, such as fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) and 3D quantitative fluorescence-mediated tomography have now become available [1, 2]. These technical advances are paralleled by a rapid development of a whole range of new optical contrasting strategies, which are designed to generate molecular contrast within a living organism. The combination of both, technical advances of light detection and the refinement of optical contrast media, finally yields a new spectrum of tools for in vivo molecular diagnostics. Whereas the technical aspects of optical imaging are covered in more detail in a previous review article in "European Radiology" [3], this article focuses on new developments in optical contrasting strategies and design of optical contrast agents for in vivo diagnostics.
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Bremer, C., Ntziachristos, V. & Weissleder, R. Optical-based molecular imaging: contrast agents and potential medical applications. Eur Radiol 13, 231–243 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-002-1610-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-002-1610-0