Abstract
Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) that integrates the molecular contrast of optical imaging with the high spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging in deep tissue has widespread applications in basic biological science, preclinical research and clinical trials. Recently, tremendous progress has been made in PAT regarding technical innovations, preclinical applications, and clinical translations. Here, we selectively review the recent progresses and advances in PAT, including the development of advanced PAT systems for small-animal and human imaging, newly engineered optical probes for molecular imaging, broad-spectrum PAT for label-free imaging of biological tissues, high-throughput snapshot photoacoustic topography, and integration of machine learning for image reconstruction and processing. We envision that PAT will have further technical developments and more impactful applications in biomedicine.
Highlights
Biomedical imaging has played a significant role in modern medicine for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapy, and providing biological insights into lives [1, 2]
Photoacoustic tomography (PAT), known as optoacoustic tomography, is an emerging biomedical imaging modality that provides cross-sectional or three-dimensional (3D) imaging of an object based on the photoacoustic (PA) effect—a physical phenomenon that converts absorbed light to sound [3]
PA microscopy (PAM) forms images by raster scanning the focus of light and sound across the object, while PA computed tomography (PACT) yields images by inverse reconstruct the detected signals induced by wide-field illumination
Summary
Biomedical imaging has played a significant role in modern medicine for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapy, and providing biological insights into lives [1, 2]. Preclinical small-animal imaging and clinical applications typically employ nonoptical imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and ultrasound imaging (USI), which all can provide deep penetration [40]. PAT, as a noninvasive approach, achieves high-resolution imaging in deep tissues with optical contrasts, providing a complementary approach for preclinical research and clinical translations. We envision that PAT will have more impactful applications in fundamental science, preclinical research, and clinical trials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
