Molecular Contrast Optical Coherence Tomography and Its Applications in Medicine

The growing need to understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases has prompted the revolution in molecular imaging techniques along with nanomedicine development. Conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a low-cost in vivo imaging modality that provides unique high spatial and temporal resolution anatomic images but little molecular information. However, given the widespread adoption of OCT in research and clinical practice, its robust molecular imaging extensions are strongly desired to combine with anatomical images. A range of relevant approaches has been reported already. In this article, we review the recent advances of molecular contrast OCT imaging techniques, the corresponding contrast agents, especially the nanoparticle-based ones, and their applications. We also summarize the properties, design criteria, merit, and demerit of those contrast agents. In the end, the prospects and challenges for further research and development in this field are outlined.

Automated summary

The revolution in molecular imaging techniques and nanomedicine development has been driven by the growing need to understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases. Conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a low-cost imaging modality that provides high spatial and temporal resolution anatomical images but lacks molecular information. However, due to the widespread adoption of OCT in research and clinical practice, there is a strong demand for robust molecular imaging extensions that can be combined with anatomical images. This article reviews the recent advances in molecular contrast OCT imaging techniques, especially those using nanoparticle-based contrast agents, and discusses their applications. The properties, design criteria, merit, and demerit of these contrast agents are also summarized. Finally, the prospects and challenges for further research and development in this field are outlined.