Dr. Chan from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a new molecular probe for detection and photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging of hypoxia.  This probe is useful for in vivo and in vitro imaging.  Using photoacoustic imaging, this probe can be used to detect hypoxia at depths up to 7 cm. 

Dr. Chan’s molecular probe allows for rapid detection and imaging of hypoxia.  This detection and imaging is not invasive like an oxygen-sensitive electrode, does not rely on DNA or gene expression like other hypoxia probes, and does not involve ionizing radiation like PET.  The development of handheld photoacoustic imaging instruments will allow for hypoxia imaging to occur in the doctor’s office.