Dual in vivo ultrasound-photoacoustic imaging system - PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT This application requests funds to purchase a dual ultrasound-photoacoustic system needed for in vivo, non- invasive, longitudinal imaging of small animal models. The instrument, a Vevo F2 LAZR-X imaging system (FUJIFILM, VisualSonics), will support and enhance current NIH-funded projects, and promote innovative basic and translational projects at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and neighboring institutions. The Vevo F2 LAZR-X uniquely enables correlative ultrasound-photoacoustic imaging. Ultrasound allows to image organs with high resolution and assess organ function, as well as quantify tissue and blood flow velocities through Doppler ultrasound. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) allows to determine tissue molecular content (including quantification of blood oxygenation) based on the light absorption properties of distinct molecules. Because photoacoustic and ultrasound signals are detected with the same transducer simultaneously, the system can generate images in which the molecular content (from PAI) is overlaid on high resolution (up to 30 μm) ultrasound images of the tissue or organ of interest. Moreover, since both ultrasound and PAI modalities are non-invasive and non-ionizing, the Vevo F2 LAZR-X system is ideal for in vivo longitudinal studies in small animal models. Technical advances incorporated into the Vevo F2 LAZR-X system, together with unique features, such as wide range of transducer frequencies (1 to 71 MHz) and laser wavelength range (680- 970 nm and 1200-2000 nm), as well as fast scanning (up to 10,000 frames per second when combined with EKV) make this instrument a must-have for the developmental, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and cancer applications of our Users. The proposed Vevo F2 LAZR-X system is at the vanguard and a top choice among competitive commercial ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging systems, and will uniquely enable basic and preclinical research at the forefront of discovery while advancing NIH funded research. The OHSU South Waterfront campus, where the Vevo F2 LAZR-X system will be located, is a hub for innovation in developmental, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and cancer research. Several of the Major Users in this application are developing photoacoustic contrast agents with the goal of translating into the clinic for improved cancer diagnosis and guided surgery intervention. Users are also seeking an effective imaging technique to longitudinally monitor cardiovascular performance during the lifespan. This proposed shared instrument will greatly benefit NIH-funded investigators at OHSU and beyond. The proposed system will replace two previous instrument models, which are currently out of manufacturer's maintenance and service (as of 12/2023) and out- of-order. There is no other dual ultrasound-photoacoustic system at OHSU or nearby. Thus, there is a dire need for the proposed system to boost developmental, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, cancer, and photoacoustic contrast agent research at OHSU and Oregon. The Vevo F2 LAZR-X imaging system will be instrumental to advance our understanding of disease progression and treatment efficacy at different stages of life.
