Abstract: A system for calculating a Grüneisen parameter of a target tissue is disclosed. The system comprises a first light source configured to emit a first light signal to the target tissue, thereby generating an acoustic signal in the target tissue. The system further comprises a second light source configured to emit a second light signal to the target tissue, which interacts with the acoustic signal, (e.g., in the manner of Brillouin scattering) to generate a backscattered light signal. The system further comprise a light sensor configured to detect the backscattered light signal and a processor configured to receive the backscattered light signal from the light sensor and calculate the Grüneisen parameter of the target tissue based on the backscattered response signal.

Abstract: A system for calculating a Grüneisen parameter of a target tissue is disclosed. The system comprises a first light source configured to emit a first light signal to the target tissue, thereby generating an acoustic signal in the target tissue. The system further comprises a second light source configured to emit a second light signal to the target tissue, which interacts with the acoustic signal, (e.g., in the manner of Brillouin scattering) to generate a backscattered light signal. The system further comprise a light sensor configured to detect the backscattered light signal and a processor configured to receive the backscattered light signal from the light sensor and calculate the Grüneisen parameter of the target tissue based on the backscattered response signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a tray device including a frame having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness, wherein the top surface of the frame has a first recessed region having a sidewall around at least a portion of a perimeter, and a ledge extending laterally from the bottom of the sidewall of the first recessed region, wherein the sidewall defines at least a portion of a first shape, a second recessed region having a sidewall around at least a portion of a perimeter, and a ledge extending laterally from the bottom of the sidewall of the second recessed region, wherein the sidewall defines at least a portion of a second shape, and wherein the depth of the first recessed region is deeper into the thickness of the tray than the depth of the second recessed region.

Abstract: A device comprises a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a channel between the first end and the second end; an imaging probe couplable to the first end of the cannula, where the imaging probe includes: a transducer, and a reflective surface; and a biopsy device coupled to the cannula, where the biopsy device is configured to collect a tissue sample from an organ of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for image-based guidance in deep-brain stimulation. An endoscope system includes a waveguide tube, a right-angle prism, a light source, and a photoacoustic transducer. Light from the light source propagates along the length of the waveguide tube via internal reflection within the wall. The right-angle prism is positioned to redirect light emitted at a distal end of the waveguide tube in a direction perpendicular to the length of the waveguide tube. Light emitted in the perpendicular direction causes soundwaves to be generated by the surrounding tissue via photoacoustic effect. Those soundwaves are then conducted through the interior channel of the waveguide tube from the distal end of the waveguide tube to a proximal end of the waveguide tube where the soundwaves are detected by the photoacoustic transducer, which is acoustically coupled to the interior channel of the waveguide tube at the proximal end of the waveguide tube.

Abstract: A system for measuring a membrane potential is disclosed. The system comprises a photoacoustic probe including a laser and an ultrasound transducer. The laser is configured to emit a light signal at one or more wavelengths to a neuronal cell. The neuronal cell may comprise a voltage-sensitive protein configured to absorb the light signal in a voltage-dependent manner. The ultrasound transducer is configured to receive a photoacoustic signal from the voltage-sensitive protein in response to absorbing the light signal. The system further comprises a processor configured to receive the photoacoustic signal from the ultrasound transducer and calculate a membrane potential of the neuron based on the photoacoustic signal. Methods of measuring a membrane potential and biomaterials related to the voltage-sensitive protein are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An optical system, comprises a mirror cage, a light source optically connected to a first side of the mirror cage via a first fiberoptic cable and a first collimator, an energy sensor optically connected to a second side of the mirror cage opposite the first side, a second fiber optic cable optically connected to a third side of the mirror cage via a second collimator, an avalanche photodiode (APD) optically connected to a fourth side of the mirror cage opposite the third side, and a dichroic mirror positioned within the housing at an angle relative to the first side. An automated micropipette electrode guidance system comprises the optical system as above, and a micropipette electrode connected to the optical system via the second fiber optic cable. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention relates to a microscopy device having a body with a cavity, the cavity having a bottom and plurality of walls extending upward from the bottom, and forming an inside surface and an outside surface of the body, the cavity further comprising an opening opposite the bottom, at least one transparent window in the bottom, and an adapter extending outward from a first wall of the plurality of walls, wherein the body has a length ranging between about 10 mm and about 250 mm, a width ranging between about 10 mm and about 250 mm, and a height ranging between about 5 mm and about 100 mm.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a cuvette platform including a body having a base and at least one cuvette mounting surface positioned above and parallel to the base and comprising at least one of side retainers and corner retainers configured to retain a cuvette, at least one peripheral mounting surface extending upward from a first edge of the base forming a right angle with the base and configured to receive at least one peripheral, at least one flange extending outward from a second edge of the base forming a right angle with the base and comprising at least one mounting feature.

Abstract: Provided are biomarkers for diagnosis of ALS and for differential diagnosis of distinct ALS subtypes. Also provided are methods of modulating the biomarkers for the treatment of ALS.

Abstract: A system for measuring a membrane potential is disclosed. The system comprises a photoacoustic probe including a laser and an ultrasound transducer. The laser is configured to emit a light signal at one or more wavelengths to a neuronal cell. The neuronal cell may comprise a voltage-sensitive protein configured to absorb the light signal in a voltage-dependent manner. The ultrasound transducer is configured to receive a photoacoustic signal from the voltage-sensitive protein in response to absorbing the light signal. The system further comprises a processor configured to receive the photoacoustic signal from the ultrasound transducer and calculate a membrane potential of the neuron based on the photoacoustic signal. Methods of measuring a membrane potential and biomaterials related to the voltage-sensitive protein are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system, compositions, and methods for detecting ovarian cancer cells by photoacoustic flow cytometry.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system, compositions, and methods for detecting ovarian cancer cells by photoacoustic flow cytometry.

Abstract: Photoacoustic targeting systems for intracellular recording. In one embodiment, the photoacoustic targeting system includes a light source, a micropipette electrode, an acoustic transducer, and a controller. The light source is configured to emit pulsed light. The micropipette electrode is configured to deliver the pulsed light to a target cell. The acoustic transducer is configured to receive photoacoustic signals generated due to optical absorption of light energy by the target cell. The controller is configured to determine a position of the micropipette electrode relative to the target cell based on the photoacoustic signals.

Abstract: A device comprises a miniature transducer having an altered backing geometry that can be placed within different casing sizes of an imaging probe device. The backing geometry extends along a longitudinal axis of the imaging probe and provides an angle (e.g., 45-degree angle) configured to reflect ultrasound and/or light waves/signals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the imaging probe. This design is configured to enable ultrasound and/or light waves/signals to be redirected and dampened within the transducer to preserve a suitable signal to noise ratio while minimizing the required depth of the backing.

Abstract: A collection device for collecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a living biological sample is disclosed. The collection device comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and an inlet and outlet each fluidly communicating with the interior chamber. The housing is formed by an upper surface, a lower surface, and a substantially circular sidewall extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The interior chamber comprises a substantially cylindrical volume enclosed by the housing and configured to receive the living biological sample. The inlet and the outlet may extend through the upper surface and may be substantially diametrically opposed with respect to the circular sidewall. The collection device may be configured to pass fluid in a substantially laminar flow path through the inlet, across the interior chamber, and out of the outlet. At least a portion of the housing may comprise a substantially transparent material configured to transmit light therethrough.

Abstract: A system for measuring a membrane potential is disclosed. The system comprises a photoacoustic probe including a laser and an ultrasound transducer. The laser is configured to emit a light signal at one or more wavelengths to a neuronal cell. The neuronal cell may comprise a voltage-sensitive protein configured to absorb the light signal in a voltage-dependent manner. The ultrasound transducer is configured to receive a photoacoustic signal from the voltage-sensitive protein in response to absorbing the light signal. The system further comprises a processor configured to receive the photoacoustic signal from the ultrasound transducer and calculate a membrane potential of the neuron based on the photoacoustic signal. Methods of measuring a membrane potential and biomaterials related to the voltage-sensitive protein are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for calculating a Grüneisen parameter of a target tissue is disclosed. The system comprises a first light source configured to emit a first light signal to the target tissue, thereby generating an acoustic signal in the target tissue. The system further comprises a second light source configured to emit a second light signal to the target tissue, which interacts with the acoustic signal, (e.g., in the manner of Brillouin scattering) to generate a backscattered light signal. The system further comprise a light sensor configured to detect the backscattered light signal and a processor configured to receive the backscattered light signal from the light sensor and calculate the Grüneisen parameter of the target tissue based on the backscattered response signal.

Abstract: A system for measuring the membrane potential of a neuron is disclosed. The system comprises one or more photoacoustic ion indicators, each comprising a metal chelating agent linked to a chromophore molecule. The metal chelating agent is configured to selectively bind to one of sodium ions, calcium ions, and potassium ions. The system further comprises a photoacoustic probe including a laser configured to emit a light signal to the chromophore and an ultrasound transducer configured to receive a photoacoustic signal in response to the light signal. The system further comprises a processor configured to receive the photoacoustic signal from the ultrasound transducer, determine a quantity of photoacoustic ion indicators exhibiting the shift, and calculate a membrane potential of the neuron based on quantity of photoacoustic ion indicators exhibiting the shift.

Abstract: A device comprises a cannula having a first end, a second end, and a channel between the first end and the second end; an imaging probe couplable to the first end of the cannula, where the imaging probe includes: a transducer, and a reflective surface; and a biopsy device coupled to the cannula, where the biopsy device is configured to collect a tissue sample from an organ of a patient.