A new tool for comprehensive label-free micro-imaging of cancer in situ

该项目旨在设计一种新的微成像工具，用于原位肿瘤微环境的综合表征，包括微形态、微血管、细胞外基质、局部刚度以及pH、氧含量和温度等功能变量。该项目将为疾病动物模型中的肿瘤提供无障碍、无标签的纵向监测；因此，减少动物的使用，提高实验能力，并提供更好的微观尺度特征，以支持癌症生物学的发现和应用。这种工具有可能转化为人类和商业化，最终将有助于改善癌症的诊断和治疗。

This project aims to engineer a new micro-imaging tool for comprehensive characterisation of the tumour microenvironment in situ, including micro-morphology, microvasculature, extracellular matrix, local stiffness and the functional variables of pH, oxygen content and temperature. The project will provide accessible, label-free longitudinal monitoring of tumours in animal models of disease; thereby, reducing animal use, improving experimental power, and providing better micro-scale characterisation to underpin discovery and application in cancer biology. With potential for translation to humans and commercialisation, such a tool will ultimately contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment of cancer.