In vivo dynamic light scattering microscopy of tumour blood vessels.

We present a study investigating the use of dynamic light scattering microscopy based on the temporal laser speckle's contrast that is produced over time by red blood cells (RBCs) flowing inside tumour blood vessels. The proposed noninvasive methodology is capable of producing high-resolution images of tumour vasculature. The technique is effective at producing images from tissue at a significant depth, as well as potentially having the ability to monitor tumour perfusion. An advantage of this methodology is that it has improved depth penetration compared with conventional imaging techniques (such as reflected-light microscopy), and one can avoid the use of any fluorescent or artificial chemicals for labeling. This is advantageous since labeling materials can affect imaging and animal welfare with respect to experiments that require continuous and repetitive monitoring.