title: Optical-based molecular imaging: contrast agents and potential medical applications.
abstract: Laser- and sensitive charge-coupled device technology together with advanced mathematical modelling of photon propagation in tissue has prompted the development of novel optical imaging technologies. Fast surface-weighted imaging modalities, such as fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) and 3D quantitative fluorescence-mediated tomography have now become available [1, 2]. These technical advances are paralleled by a rapid development of a whole range of new optical contrasting strategies, which are designed to generate molecular contrast within a living organism. The combination of both, technical advances of light detection and the refinement of optical contrast media, finally yields a new spectrum of tools for in vivo molecular diagnostics. Whereas the technical aspects of optical imaging are covered in more detail in a previous review article in "European Radiology" [3], this article focuses on new developments in optical contrasting strategies and design of optical contrast agents for in vivo diagnostics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Strasse 33, 48129 Münster, Germany. bremerc@uni-muenster.de
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bremer
authors.forename: Vasilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ntziachristos
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weissleder
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005453:Fluorescence; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D015335:Molecular Probes; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000175:diagnosis; D017785:Photons; D051381:Rats; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D015335:Molecular Probes