Oliver Bruns Group
Functional Imaging in Surgical Oncology
Our research is dedicated to the development of excellent techniques for biomedical imaging. The advancement of new targeted contrast agents and novel imaging modalities will pave the way for personalized therapy and high precision treatments in the near future. Imaging in the short-wave infrared region (SWIR) is a new technology for biomedical applications. It provides several advantages over the visible and near-infrared regions: general lack of autofluorescence, low light absorption by blood and tissue, and reduced scattering. In this wavelength range tissues become translucent. Recent progress in detection technology and the development of probes demonstrated that, in principal, SWIR imaging enables applications which were previously not feasible with any other technique. These advantages will enable new capabilities in preclinical and clinical imaging.
Future Projects and Goals
- We develop near-infrared and shortwave-infared imaging to provide solutions for guiding decision-making in surgical oncology.
- We develop contrast agents for NIR and SWIR fluorescence-guided surgery, targeting identification of residual cancer and risk structures such as nerves.
- We develop label-free imaging methods for identifying lymph nodes, fat, and other tissue components.
- We perform basic research on NIR and SWIR imaging and microscopy, focusing on methods to improve sensitivity, imaging speed and depth of detection.
Methodological and Technical Expertise
- Advanced optical imaging and microscopy
- probe/contrast agent development
- intravital microscopy
- clinical imaging setup development