Abstract: A method for optoacoustic imaging of a tissue mass after treating the skin overlying a portion of a tissue being imaged to improve optical clarity is presented. In an embodiment, the method involves optoacoustic imaging after first applying a carrier agent such as hyaluronic acid to the skin surface and applying a clearing agent to the skin. A method of temporarily reducing optical scattering (opacity) of skin for diagnostic purposes is also presented. In an embodiment, the method involves applying a liquid comprising at least one of: polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, to the skin, the skin having been pretreated with hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A method for optoacoustic imaging of a tissue mass after treating the skin overlying a portion of a tissue being imaged to improve optical clarity is presented. In an embodiment, the method involves optoacoustic imaging after first applying a carrier agent such as hyaluronic acid to the skin surface and applying a clearing agent to the skin. A method of temporarily reducing optical scattering (opacity) of skin for diagnostic purposes is also presented. In an embodiment, the method involves applying a liquid comprising at least one of: polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, to the skin, the skin having been pretreated with hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems to increase selective thermomechanical damage to a biological body, such as a cancer cell or cell associated with a pathophysiological condition. The biological body or cancer cell is specifically targeted with nanoparticulates comprising one or more targeting moieties which form nanoparticulate clusters thereon or therewithin. Pulsed electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical radiation, having a wavelength spectrum selected for a peak wavelength near to or matching a peak absorption wavelength of the nanoparticulates selectively heats the nanoparticulates thereby generating vapor microbubbles around the clusters causing damage to the targets without affecting any surrounding medium or normal cells or tissues. Also provided are methods for treating leukemia and for selectively and thermomechanically causing damage to cells associated with a pathophysiological condition using the methods and system described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and system to increase selective thermomechanical damage to a biological body, such as a cancer cell or cell associated with a pathophysiological condition. The biological body or cancer cell is specifically targeted with nanoparticulates comprising one or more targeting moieties which form nanoparticulate clusters thereon or therewithin. Pulsed electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical radiation, having a wavelength spectrum selected for a peak wavelength near to or matching a peak absorption wavelength of the nanoparticulates selectively heats the nanoparticulates thereby generating vapor microbubbles around the clusters causing damage to the targets without affecting any surrounding medium or normal cells or tissues. Also provided is a method of treating leukemia using the methods and system described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein is an optoacoustic imaging system configured to produce images of one or more objects in a body using at least a maximum angular amplitude probability algorithm to reconstruct the optoacoustic images of the body. In addition the optoacoustic imaging system may be configured to produce 3D maps from the reconstructed optoacoustic images of the body. Also, provided is a method for diagnosing a pathophysiological condition characterized by abnormal optical properties of tissues in a body from maps so produced.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and system to increase selective thermomechanical damage to a biological body, such as a cancer cell or cell associated with a pathophysiological condition. The biological body or cancer cell is specifically targeted with nanoparticulates comprising one or more targeting moieties which form nanoparticulate clusters thereon or therewithin. Pulsed electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical radiation, having a wavelength spectrum selected for a peak wavelength near to or matching a peak absorption wavelength of the nanoparticulates selectively heats the nanoparticulates thereby generating vapor microbubbles around the clusters causing damage to the targets without affecting any surrounding medium or normal cells or tissues. Also provided is a method of treating leukemia using the methods and system described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein is an optoacoustic imaging system configured to produce images of one or more objects in a body using at least a maximum angular amplitude probability algorithm to reconstruct the optoacoustic images of the body. In addition the optoacoustic imaging system may be configured to produce 3D maps from the reconstructed optoacoustic images of the body. Also, provided is a method for diagnosing a pathophysiological condition characterized by abnormal optical properties of tissues in a body from maps so produced.

Abstract: A method of enhancing detection for a specific object in a body. A nanoparticulate is administered to the body for location in an area to be explored for detection of the object, if present. The nanoparticulate is at least partially metallic, has a formed non-spherical shape having a minimal characteristic dimension in the range from about 1 to about 3000 nanometers, and has a formed composition capable of producing thermal pressure either in the nanoparticulate or in the object greater than the object could produce in the absence of the nanoparticulate. Electromagnetic radiation is directed into the body. The electromagnetic radiation has a specific wavelength or spectrum of wavelengths in the range from 300 nm to 300 mm selected so that the wavelength or wavelength spectrum is longer by a factor of at least 3 than the minimum characteristic dimension of the nanoparticulate.