Our lab has two main directions: (1) Technology development of optical techniques for tissue structural and functional imaging; (2) Application of these imaging techniques for tissue diagnostics and translational studies. We have pioneered various imaging tools including optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical coherence elastography (OCE), and Raman spectroscopy, with a particular emphasis on innovations in ocular and vascular research.
Technology development
High-resolution optical coherence elastography
Optical coherence elastography (OCE) has gained increasing interests in the recent years for imaging the mechanical properties of the tissues in a non-invasive manner. Our lab has developed an ultra-wideband OCE technique that significantly enhances the resolution as compared to existing techniques. We have also developed novel analytical models for resolving the layer-specific mechanical properties.
- Ultra-wideband OCE from acoustic to ultrasonic frequencies (Nature Commun. 2023)
- Depth-resolved stiffness measurement in human skin in vivo (Acta Biomateralia, 2022)
Multimodal optical imaging platform
Our lab aims to integrate the strength of multimodal optical imaging to study the structural, compositional, and biomechanical properties of tissue. We aim to study how the underlying microstructure and composition of the tissue influence the resulting mechanical behavior, and how these behaviors are altered by disrupted mechanical loading, disease, or aging.
Biomedical and clinical applications
In vivo detection of human cornea biomechanics
Precisely mapping the stiffness of the cornea is crucial in detecting corneal ectasia at early stages and predicting surgical outcomes for corneal refractive surgeries. We have developed in vivo corneal OCE devices to characterize human corneal biomechanics in vivo. We are currently refining these techniques and applying them across various aspects of vision health and disease management.
- High-frequency OCE for high-resolution mapping of corneal stiffness (IEEE TBME 2023).
- S0- and A0-guided wave OCE for quantifying corneal anisotropy (Acta Biomaterialia 2024)
In vivo depth-resolved measurement of human skin
We have developed an OCE device and analytical modeling for probing skin biomechanics in vivo with high anatomical resolution. We have found the stiffness of the epidermis is 100x larger than the dermis and 300x larger than the hypodermis. The method can be used for diagnosing skin diseases related to dryness, and monitoring the therapeutic responses.
- In vivo stiffness measurement of epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis using broadband Rayleigh-wave OCE (Acta Biomateralia, 2022)
In situ characterization of vascular remodeling
We will develop high-resolution arterial OCE to measure the layer-specific mechanical properties of the arterial wall in its natural condition. Following this, we will apply the multimodal optical imaging platform to examine the correlations between structural, mechanical, and chemical changes and their association with vascular diseases and aging.
Raman spectroscopy for tumor margin assessment
We have developed a Raman imaging platform for rapid tumor margin assessment during Mohs micrographic surgery. Additionally, we built a biophysical Raman skin cancer model, and integrating with machine learning, to better understand the biophysical origin of the skin cancer, and to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Rapid Raman imaging platform for assessing tumor resection margins (J Biophotonics 2020)
- Raman biophysical basis for tumor margin assessment (Biomed Opt Exp 2019)
- Raman biophysical markers in skin cancer diagnosis (J Biomed Opt 2018)
- Raman biophysical model (Biomed Opt Exp 2017)