Advanced 3D Imaging for Lab-Grown Tissues

3D dynamic contrast optical coherence microscopy for organoid studies

NIH-funded research University of Colorado · NIH-11144413

This project is developing a new 3D imaging method to better understand how lab-grown tissues, called organoids, are developing and functioning.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11144413 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project aims to create a new way to see inside lab-grown tissues, known as organoids, in three dimensions. Organoids are tiny models of organs grown in the lab that help us understand diseases and test new treatments. Current imaging tools, while good for general tissue structure, don't fully show how individual cells are behaving in a 3D environment. This new technology will allow researchers to see cell health, growth, and activity without needing to add special dyes, providing a clearer picture of these complex models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational technology development does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future applications could benefit patients with various conditions studied using organoids.

Not a fit: Patients seeking direct clinical intervention or immediate treatment options would not benefit from this early-stage technology development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could help researchers better understand diseases and develop new treatments by providing more detailed insights into how lab-grown tissues function.

How similar studies have performed: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a well-established imaging technology with widespread clinical use, but this specific 3D dynamic contrast approach for organoids is a novel extension.

Where this research is happening

Boulder, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.