Illinois graduate student Hailey Knox and chemistry professor Jefferson Chan. Credit: L Brian Stauffer.

Researchers from the University of Illinois in the US have developed a photoacoustic molecular probe to detect areas of hypoxia (low oxygen in tissue) for improved non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of cancer, stroke and blocked or narrowed blood vessels.

Led by chemistry professor Jefferson Chan and graduate student Hailey Knox, the research team designed the new oxygen-sensitive probe to emit ultrasound signals in response to light.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Upon activation by light, the new device emits an ultrasound signal that enables direct 3D imaging of hypoxic areas.

The molecular beacon is intended to replace the existing expensive, invasive techniques that involve radioactive molecules and positron emission tomography scans.

As these techniques could only detect chronic hypoxia, they are considered inadequate for the diagnosis of aggressive cancers or acute conditions such as stroke that require immediate treatment.

Chan said: “We could give a doctor a three-dimensional (3D), real-time view into the tissue to guide surgical procedures and treatment plans.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
“The ability to detect this in a way that doesn’t require surgery or doesn’t rely on indirect methods is really powerful because you can actually see it as it’s developing.”

“The ability to detect this in a way that doesn’t require surgery or doesn’t rely on indirect methods is really powerful because you can actually see it as it’s developing.”

While the device has been tested in preclinical settings, it could be used for clinical application by administering photoacoustic molecules to a patient and using an altered ultrasound for imaging.

Chan added: “The system that we used in this study is a preclinical system for animals.

“However, in a clinical setting, you can take a regular ultrasound machine and equip it with a light source – you can buy LEDs for around $200 that are powerful enough and safe for clinical applications.”