Design and characterization of an optical phantom for mesoscopic multimodal fluorescence lifetime imaging and optical coherence elastography.

ABSTRACT: We developed a novel methodology for manufacturing multimodal, tissue-mimicking phantoms that exhibit both molecular and biomechanical contrast. This methodology leverages the immiscibility of silicone and hydrogels to create solid mesoscale phantoms with localized regions of precisely controlled fluorescence, including fluorescence lifetime properties, and adjustable stiffness, without requiring physical barriers. Mechanical, fluorescent, and optical characterization confirmed the tunability of the phantoms across a range of values relevant to biomedical applications. A macroscale 3D phantom was fabricated, and its properties were validated through fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI) and optical coherence elastography (OCE). Validation demonstrated the successful tuning of both mechanical

SUBMITTER: Chavez L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11919344 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature