Facility & Core

NOVA Lab operates an integrated multispectral imaging platform designed for quantitative evaluation of molecular probes and nanoparticle transport across biological scales. By combining synchronized NIR-I and high-sensitivity NIR-II detection systems, we enable simultaneous anatomical referencing, spectral discrimination, and deep-tissue fluorescence imaging for translational nanomedicine research.

NIR-I Imaging Subsystem: Condor3 3-CCD Camera

The custom-engineered Condor3 3-CCD camera (Alternative Vision, Tucson, AZ) provides simultaneous acquisition of visible and dual NIR-I channels through a precision prism-based optical splitting system.

A neutral, non-polarizing beam splitter with internal dichroic coatings divides broadband incident light into three spectrally equivalent paths prior to filtering. The optical splitting mechanism ensures balanced spatial and spectral distribution across channels, preserving signal integrity.

Channel configuration:

• Visible channel: 650 nm short-pass filter (anatomical reference imaging)

• NIR-I channel 1: 710/40 nm bandpass filter

• NIR-I channel 2: 776 nm long-pass filter
  
  

Each channel utilizes a Sony ICX 692 CCD sensor (1280 × 720 resolution, 4.08 μm pixel size, 14-bit depth), enabling synchronized multispectral acquisition at 24 FPS. This architecture supports ratiometric analysis, multi-fluorophore discrimination, and quantitative NIR-I biodistribution studies.

NIR-II Imaging Subsystem: Ninox640 InGaAs Camera

For deep-tissue fluorescence imaging, NOVA Lab employs the Ninox640 InGaAs camera, optimized for detection in the NIR-II window (900–1700 nm).

The high quantum efficiency and low-noise InGaAs sensor enable sensitive detection of long-wavelength emissions with reduced tissue scattering and autofluorescence. This system supports:

• Whole-body small-animal imaging

• Real-time biodistribution monitoring

• Dynamic pharmacokinetic modeling

• Evaluation of renal clearance and tissue penetration
  
  

The extended NIR-II detection range allows improved signal-to-background contrast and enhanced spatial resolution at depth compared to conventional NIR-I systems.

Trifoil InSyTe FLECT/CT™ (3D NIR optical imaging with CT)

3D NIR tomographic optical imaging system (InSyTe FLECT/CT™, TriFoil Imaging) is an innovative instrument that offers 3D NIR optical imaging with high-quality anatomical reference in a single platform. The InSyTe™ platform, based on Fluorescence Emission Computed Tomography (FLECT), provides unparalleled capability for whole body imaging and in vivo characterization of preclinical, small animal models. It integrates two 3D imaging modalities into a single instrument by enabling co-registered FLECT and X-ray CT. It utilizes a patented, rotating gantry design to collect optical and X-ray-based projections of the animal. When combined with NIR probes and laser excitation, this allows for enhanced sensitivity (up to the pM range) and accurate 3D data acquisition, especially when looking for low-level and/or deep signals during fluorescence detection. Image reconstruction algorithms utilize segmented X-ray CT data to assess changes in optical properties within the animal, providing accurate reconstruction visualizations.

Figure. Schematic diagram and photograph of fluorescence emission computed tomography (FLECT) system (InSyTe, Trifoil Imaging), and images of a mouse injected with NIR probes.