Biophotonics for gastrointestinal health

Imaging gastrointestinal inflammation

Assessing how autofluorescence indicators, including fluorescence lifetime, respond to inflammation caused by induced dysbiosis in mouse models, we seek to establish the sensitivity of intraluminal macroscopic fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) to metabolic and tissue structure changes in the gastrointestinal mucosa. The goal is to develop tools to monitor disease and therapy in the lower gastrointesstinal track.

Clinical translation: FLIm-augmented colonoscopies 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health burden, and current colonoscopy methods are limited in detecting subtle structural and biochemical changes in lesions, leading to missed diagnoses. This project aims to integrate label-free fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) into colonoscopy to enhance lesion phenotyping by providing real-time biochemical information. By creating a database of FLIm signatures, developing advanced analysis algorithms, and evaluating FLIm's diagnostic accuracy, this research seeks to improve early detection and diagnosis of CRC, ultimately advancing patient care and outcomes.