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Assembly and characterization of a nonlinear optical microscopy for biological tissues imaging

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Author(s):
Sebastião Pratavieira
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Doctoral Thesis
Press: São Carlos.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC/BT)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Cristina Kurachi; Luciano Bachmann; Francisco Eduardo Gontijo Guimarães; Airton Abrahao Martin; Diego José Rátiva Millán
Advisor: Cristina Kurachi
Abstract

Accurate diagnosis of the morphological and metabolic conditions of a tissue and/or an organ is essential to define the presence of pathological changes, and to evaluate the response during a number of treatments. The use of optical techniques for biological tissue imaging is an excellent alternative for this purpose. Such techniques allow non-invasive diagnostic procedures, with cellular resolution, and usually provide almost instantaneous response. The use of nonlinear optical techniques such as fluorescence promoted by two-photon absorption is one example of optical technique in which we obtain images of living tissue with spatial resolution at cellular level. The purpose of this study is the assembly and characterization of a custom-made non-linear microscope. This microscope allows customized adjustment for in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo imaging of biological samples. The excitation is done using a tunable femtosecond Ti:Sapphire laser. Two galvanometer mirrors conjugated by two spherical mirrors are used for the lateral scan and for the axial scan a piezoeletric stage is utilized. The light is focused in tissue by an 20X objective lens, in water immersion, numerical aperture of 1.0, and working distance of 2.0 mm. The lateral resolution obtained was (0.8 ± 0.1) μm and (4.4 ± 1.5) μm for axial resolution, which is sufficient for images with sub-cellular resolution to be achieved in biological tissues. Fluorescence and second harmonic generation images were performed using epithelial and hepatic tissue. Those images revealed aspects considered relevant in morpho-histopathology – such as nuclear and citoplasm membrane structures, and the presence of collagen. By means of the microscope it is possible to have images in different depths of tissues with sub-cellular resolution. The assembly of such an equipment shall represent a potential contribution to diagnostics and lesion treatment fields, so that it may result in more precise detection of diseases and more effective treatments in the future. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/17476-2 - Assembly and characterization of an optical microscope for non-linear images of biological systems
Grantee:Sebastião Pratavieira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate