DeepVision™ Imaging Instrument for Novel NIR-I and NIR-II Dyes and Probes

An introduction video on DeepVision™ Imaging System and its technology

(Also see dual modality KingsVision^TM. Also see Nirmidas NIR-I and NIR-II dyes and probes.)

In addition to CW imaging mode, a unique added feature of DeepVision™ is its fluorescence lifetime imaging mode. By setting a delay time of detection, the emission generated by a 975 nm excitation pulse from rare-earth nanoparticles (lifetime ~ 10 milliseconds) versus the emission from quantum dots (lifetime in micro-second range) can be distinguished despite their overlapping emission wavelengths. Such life-time imaging detects zero background. This scheme can also be used for multiplexed molecular imaging in the least scattering 1500-1700 nm NIR-II window for single cell biomarker profiling in vivo. 

Key Features

• A high performance and cost-effective biological imaging system detecting in the NIR-II/SWIR (1000-1700 nm) optical window. It is also capable of imaging fluorescence or luminescence in the visible (400-700 nm) and NIR-I (800-1000 nm) windows under customary request. 

• Multiple and customized lasers (808 nm and 975 nm as default)

• For deep tissue, high signal/background ratio in vivo small animal imaging, ex vivo and in vitro organ, tissue and cell culture imaging 

• Equipped with low magnification and high magnification microscopy imaging modes for whole mouse-body and single cell/single vessel imaging with switchable lens sets 

• Up to 120 frames per second video rate imaging 

• Ultra-low noise camera

• Lifetime imaging capability

• Multi-color, multiplexed molecular imaging using organic and nanoparticles probes emitting up to 1700 nm

• Provides a unique demo sample containing micro-array printed dots of fluorescent probes emitting in the > 1100 nm and > 1500 nm respectively for rapid calibration of the system and for training.  

Inside the DeepVision™ CCD Camera      640 x 512 pixels for high imaging resolution 400 nm – 1700 nm with high detection efficiency  Camera air cooled to -25 °C to ensure low dark current and low noise Lower noise, shorter exposure times (<1/10) than competitor cameras Lifetime imaging mode for zero-background imaging by detecting light emission after turning off laser excitation utilizing the long lifetimes of novel probes (rare earth nanoparticles and others). User friendly software for CW, lifetime and video imaging/recording

Imaging Chamber 

• Light-tight imaging chamber

• 808 nm and 975 nm lasers by default (customizable).

• Emission filter wheels – 3 default filters 1100 nm, 1300 nm and 1500 nm long pass.

• Heating pad for mouse; mouse stage maintained at 37 °C

• Adjustable imaging field for whole body or high-resolution microscopic imaging in vivo. Three optical paths for 1X, 2.5X imaging and for microscope mode imaging at up to 50X magnification for single vessel and single-cell resolution in vivo.

• Mouse stage can hold 4 mice at a time.

• X-Y-Z control for mouse stage by joy stick. X-Y motion can switch from mouse to mouse and move from site to site of the same mouse. Z motion controls focus.

• Video rate imaging capability with up to 120 frames-per-second. 

• Capable of steady imaging and video rate image recording with door of chamber open and room lights on, for intraoperative imaging/monitoring, allowing imaging/recording while manipulating mouse.

DeepVision™ Imaging System Specification

DeepVision™ uses a new camera technology superior to competitors’, allowing for much shorter exposure time and lower background.

High Performance Camera

Fig 1. A CCD camera detects in range from visible to NIR-I and NIR-II/SWIR with high quantum efficiency. 

Whole Body Imaging

Fig2. A mouse inoculated with a 4T1 tumor was sequentially injected of carbon nanotube (CNTs) and an organic probe p-FE. Utilizing the fluorescence of p-FE emitting in 1100–1300 nm to highlight vasculatures (green) and that of laser-ablation produced CNTs emitting in 1500–1700 nm to highlight the tumor (red), mouse tumor model in vivo can be profiled. 

Data from Wan et al., Nature Comm, 2018

Through scalp/skull non-invasive video rate imaging of cerebral vessels in a mouse head. 

The fluorescence signal of rare earth nanoparticles in the cerebral vessels was observed through the scalp and skull of mice. During the video recording, the mouse scalp was slightly moved, and the transparency and three-dimensional structure of the mouse head were clearly visible.

In Vivo Two-Plex Molecular Imaging at ~ 1600 nm based on Fluorescence Life Time 

Fig 3. Two-plex molecular imaging of immune response.

Top panel: 

The principle of distinguishing short-lived PbS QD fluorescence from long-lived ErNP rare-earth nanoparticle luminescence.

Lower panel:

Two-plex imaging of a CT-26 tumor on a mouse with intravenously injected ErNPs-antiPDL1 (green) and PbS-antiCD8 (red). The zoomed-in high-magnification outlines the tumor with micrometer image resolution.

Modified from Zhong et al., Nature biotechnology, 2019

References 

Molecular Imaging of Biological Systems With a Clickable Dye in the Broad 800- To 1,700-nm Near-Infrared Window. PNAS, 114(5):962-967, 2017.

A Bright Organic NIR-II Nanofluorophore for Three-Dimensional Imaging Into Biological Tissues. Nat Commun, 9(1):1171, 2018.

In Vivo Molecular Imaging for Immunotherapy Using Ultra-Bright near-infrared-IIb Rare-Earth Nanoparticles. Nat Biotechnol, 37(11):1322-1331,   2019.

Nirmidas DeepVision™ is available to purchase today. Email us at info@nirmidas.com or fill in the form below.

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