Near-infrared autofluorescence [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Near-infrared autofluorescence ======


Near-infrared [[autofluorescence]] (NIRAF) is a technique used to visualize and study biological tissues based on their natural fluorescence when exposed to near-infrared light. Unlike traditional fluorescence methods that use external fluorescent dyes or markers, NIRAF relies on the inherent properties of the tissue to emit light in the near-infrared spectrum.

Key Points about NIRAF:
Principle of NIRAF:

Biological tissues often contain endogenous fluorophores, such as collagen, elastin, and certain metabolic byproducts, which naturally emit light when excited by near-infrared wavelengths.
Near-infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light, which allows for deeper tissue penetration and reduced scattering, making it suitable for imaging deeper structures within tissues.
Advantages:

Deep Tissue Penetration: NIR light penetrates deeper into tissues compared to visible light, providing better imaging of internal structures.
Reduced Autofluorescence Interference: NIRAF reduces interference from visible light autofluorescence, which can be beneficial in distinguishing between different tissue components.
Minimally Invasive: Since it relies on natural tissue properties, there's no need for additional contrast agents or dyes, making it less invasive.
Applications:

Medical Imaging: NIRAF is used in various medical imaging applications, including cancer detection, brain imaging, and monitoring tissue health.
Surgical Guidance: It can help surgeons visualize critical structures in real-time, improving precision during operations.
Research: In research, NIRAF helps study tissue composition, disease progression, and the effects of treatments at a deeper level.
Challenges:

Resolution: Achieving high-resolution images can be challenging due to the longer wavelengths and deeper penetration.
Interpretation: Interpreting NIRAF images requires a good understanding of the underlying tissue properties and the specific fluorescence characteristics.
Overall, NIRAF is a powerful tool for non-invasive imaging and analysis of biological tissues, offering unique advantages in terms of depth and specificity.