CAREER: High Resolution Spectrochemical Imaging Through Tissue

在化学系的化学测量和成像(CMI)计划、生物科学局的生物研究仪器开发(IDBR)计划和刺激竞争研究(EPSCoR)的实验计划(EPSCoR)的支持下，克莱姆森大学的Jeffrey Anker教授和他的团队正在开发一种新的、强大的通用方法，称为功能X射线发光断层扫描(FXLT)，用于组织中的高分辨率化学成像。所提出的技术结合了X射线成像的优势，包括其出色的空间分辨率和成像组织深处的能力，以及光学方法的化学敏感性。建议的方法是：1)构建一个原理验证的高分辨率fXLT仪器并评估模型组织样品中的信号强度和X射线剂量；2)开发和表征化学传感膜和颗粒并评估化学敏感性；3)评估脂肪/血红蛋白组织模拟物和体外猪组织中包埋的fXLT膜的空间分辨率和化学敏感性。拟议的成像技术通过提供一套强大的、通用的微创成像方法来检测组织深处表面的高空间分辨率化学变化，从而有可能给生物和生物医学成像带来革命性的变化。Anker教授还计划为研究生和本科生提供宝贵的培训，这些学生将获得实验设计、纳米颗粒合成和表征、显微镜、光谱分析、化学分析、颗粒打印、数据分析以及通过手稿和口头演示进行传播的专业知识。研究方法和结果将包括在一个新的研究生课程中，内容涉及成像、传感和纳米颗粒治疗。PI还将把fXLT光谱学的例子纳入他的本科定量和仪器分析课程。一名高中教师将通过教师研究体验(RET)暑期研究计划，在喷墨打印机研究和推广项目上进行合作。高中生将通过激动人心的化学传感机器人套件竞赛参与研究活动。

With support from the Chemical Measurement and Imaging (CMI) Program in the Division of Chemistry, the Instrument Development for Biological Research (IDBR) program in Directorate for Biological Sciences, and the Office of Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), Professor Jeffrey Anker and his group at Clemson University are developing a novel, powerful, and general method, known as functional X-ray Luminescence Tomography (fXLT), for high-resolution chemical imaging in tissues. The proposed technique combines the advantages of X-ray imaging, including its excellent spatial resolution and ability to image deep in tissue, with the chemical sensitivity of optical methods. The proposed approaches are to 1) construct a proof-of-principle high-resolution fXLT instrument and evaluate signal strength and X-ray doses in model tissue samples, 2) develop and characterize chemical sensing films and particles and evaluate chemical sensitivity, and 3) evaluate the spatial resolution and chemical sensitivity of fXLT films embedded in intralipid/hemoglobin tissue-mimics and ex vivo porcine tissue. The proposed imaging technology has the potential to revolutionize biological and biomedical imaging by providing a powerful, general set of minimally invasive imaging methods for detecting chemical changes with high spatial resolution on surfaces deep within tissue. Professor Anker also plans to provide valuable training for graduate and undergraduate students who will gain expertise in experimental design, nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, microscopy, spectroscopy, chemical analysis, particle printing, data analysis, and dissemination via manuscripts and oral presentations. Research methods and results will be included in a new graduate class on imaging, sensing, and therapy with nanoparticles. The PI will also incorporate fXLT spectroscopy examples into his undergraduate Quantitative and Instrumental Analysis courses. A high school teacher will collaborate on inkjet printer research and outreach project through a research experience for teachers (RET) summer research plan. High school students will participate in the research activities through an exciting chemical-sensing robot kit competition.