Optical imaging (BLI/FLI)
Optical imaging is based on the detection of light emission (luminescence). This is produced either by a luciferase reaction (BLI) or by excitation of a fluorophore (FLI) with light of a suitable wavelength. In the small animal model, questions can be linked to luminescence in a variety of ways: Bacteria, cells and animals can be genetically engineered to express luciferases or fluorescent proteins under specific conditions. In addition, a variety of directional or activatable fluorescent markers are commercially available and allow in vivo imaging of specific biological processes, molecular events and tissue vascularization.
For in vivo optical imaging, the dependence of the tissue penetration of the light on the wavelength must be taken into account. Below 620nm, signals are strongly influenced by the absorption of hemoglobin.
An IVIS SpectrumCT and an FMT400 (PerkinElmer) are available at the ZTL. In addition, our Vevo2100 is equipped with a laser for optoacoustics.
- Advantages:
No ionizing radiation. - Limitations:
Low tissue penetration of light, low resolution