Accessible label-free optical imaging that reveals molecules and cell function
Accessible label-free optical microscopy with quantitative molecular and functional contrast
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11179477
This project creates easier, label-free microscopes that reveal molecular and functional changes in cells to help detect and understand disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11179477 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is building accessible, label-free optical microscopes and spectroscopy methods that can show molecular and functional features inside cells without staining. They combine techniques like quantitative oblique back illumination microscopy, ultraviolet hyperspectral imaging, and stimulated Raman approaches with new computational tools to extract molecular and morphological signals. These methods are being tested on cells and biological samples to improve cell identification, phenotyping, and disease detection and staging. Over five years the lab aims to refine the hardware and software so these tools could be practical for research use and, eventually, clinical samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people willing to provide tissue or fluid samples or to travel to Atlanta for imaging so their samples can be studied with the new microscopes.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate treatment decisions or therapies unrelated to cellular imaging are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this lab-focused work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could allow earlier, more detailed detection and staging of disease using non-destructive imaging of cells and tissues.
How similar studies have performed: Related label-free optical imaging methods have shown promise in laboratory settings for cell phenotyping and disease detection, but clinical translation remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROBLES, FRANCISCO E — GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Study coordinator: ROBLES, FRANCISCO E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.