MULTI-SCALE FUNCTIONAL PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

Abstract

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a technique providing multi-scale imaging resolution and deep tissue penetration. In this thesis, multiple PA imaging techniques were developed and aimed for applications of neurological diseases from bench to bedside. Two multimodal PA imaging systems (i.e., ECoG-fPAM and µECoG-fPAM) were developed to monitor the ischemia-induced changes of neurovascular functions with high temporospatial resolution. In addition, a handheld real-time PA imaging system was built based on optimal simulations for preclinical applications. Two PA imaging systems (i.e., non-contact PA system and free space real-time PA system) were built with improved detection sensitivity as well. Moreover, new therapeutic interventions (e.g., C-tDCS + PSS) and a novel rat TIA model were proposed to protect the injured region induced by ischemia and mimic the clinical symptoms, respectively. In summary, this thesis is use of the advancement of multi-scale functional PA imaging techniques to uncover the mechanisms and therapies of neurological diseases.