Metamaterial-enhanced imaging system for tissue analysis
Abstract
This proposal is being submitted to:Agency: Office of Naval ResearchDepartment: Warfighter Performance (Code 34) Division: Warfighte,r Protection & Applications Division (Code 342)Program Manager: Dr. Timothy BentleyTransformative discoveries in science are often p,receded by innovations in technology. For example, the development of high throughput assays was critical to the successful sequenci,ng of the human genome, and high-performance computing capabilities will underpin our ability to understand the genome in the future,. Moreover, the type of information revealed by these analytical tools has direct impact on the DoD research mission, advancing iden,tification of biomarkers and accelerating the development of advanced materials. This trend of innovation in tool development paving, the way for fundamental scientific discovery motivates the present DURIP.The instrument, which combines advances in metamaterials a,nd in signal processing, is a first-of-its-kind microscope for analyzing tissue elasticity. Notably, the instrument will accelerate,two of our active ONR-funded contracts as well as several collaborative DoD-funded efforts, demonstrating its clear relevance to the, DoD research mission.Current methods for analyzing the mechanical properties of living tissue rely on elastography. While successfu,l in obtaining qualitative or relative values, this strategy is unable to determine the quantitative elasticity values of a sample w,ithout employing a complex normalization method. Additionally, it is not possible to perform multi-modal analysis on a sample, such,as measuring a samples mechanical properties and simultaneously acquiring fluorescent images of the structure or performing chemica,l analysis. Understanding the elasticity of tissue can provide insight into tissue damage thresholds and damage mechanisms, which un,derpin blast-induced injuries.This DURIP will build a metamaterial-enhanced imaging system that will be able to perform conventional, optical imaging (reflection microscopy) and metamaterial-enhanced elastography. The metamaterial film, designed and fabricated as p,art of an active ONR contract, will increase the sensitivity and resolution of the elasticity measurement. By building a co-axial, d,ual detector system including both visible and near-IR detectors to capture the optical and the plasmonic signals, simultaneous anal,ysis of material elastography and tissue images will be possible. This type of imaging instrumentation for whole tissue analysis is,entirely new and will enable numerous investigations in the future.While the PI is primarily interested in using this system for mec,hanical analysis of tissue, several other DoD-supported faculty at USC and across the country have expressed interest in using the p,roposed system for analyzing other emerging material systems. Thus, this instrument provides a truly transformative opportunity for,the current and future DoD-funded research activities. This abstract is approved for public release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212370
Entities
People
- Andrea Armani
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Southern California