Label-free digital cytopathology with UV-ptychography for tissue analysis
Official title: Label-free digital cytopathology using deep-ultraviolet coded ptychography with intrinsic molecular contrast
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11351011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, dye-free imaging method uses ultraviolet light to map cell nuclei and proteins in tissue quickly, helping doctors make faster decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $363,366 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034744-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11351011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing biopsy or tissue sampling where rapid histopathology information would influence care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tissue does not require histopathological analysis or where UV-based imaging is not applicable.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create a high-throughput digital cytopathology tool that can examine tissue without traditional staining or thin sections. It uses deep-ultraviolet coded ptychography at 260- and 280-nm to generate quantitative maps of nucleus and protein content directly from tissue samples. The approach relies on a lensless imaging setup with a coded layer on a sensor to capture data and reconstruct molecular contrast. The technology could shorten the time from biopsy to insight and reduce the need for extensive slide preparation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster diagnostic information from tissue samples with less preparation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in lensless and label-free imaging has shown promise, but this approach is a novel combination of DUV wavelengths and coded ptychography for molecularly contrasted, slide-free histology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Guoan — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Guoan
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.