Optimizing technical approaches of endoscopic confocal fluorescence microscopic (ECFM) combined with smart probing for small animal studies of the lung

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Our research aims at developing tools to optimize the use of small animals, such as rats, in the context of a new imaging method named probe-based confocal endomicroscopy (pCLE). pCLE consists of inserting a small imaging conduit inside a subject to visualize its organs, using various kinds of light. While this method can already be used in humans, clinical studies and studies in large animals are very expensive. Hence, developing appropriate tools to conduct small animal experiments with this new imaging method will allow us to unlock its full potential.***Aim 1. Our research will develop new imaging beacons that become bright when a protein is present, or when a specific cell or molecule mechanism is active. Using beacons of various sizes will enable the detecting several mechanisms at the same time.***Aim 2. We will develop two methods to better locate where these beacons are activated. The first method will enable us to detect where the imaging conduit is, and will be based on a camera capable of detecting faint signal from the outside of the animal. The second method will consist of highlighting structures in the rat lung. This will be useful to better navigate within it, and identify the lung structure we are imaging.***Aim 3. We will build a device capable of generating aerosols – liquid droplets – that will then be sent within a specific region of the rat lung. This device will allow us to send the beacons developed here, as well as any other molecule of interest, such as drugs. The precise delivery of agents and drugs will facilitate research in small animals.***Overall, this research will improve the way we use small animal models for pCLE experiments, reduce the number of animals needed, as well as cut the cost of research in our field by using our resources more efficiently. **