Portable Confocal Microscope for Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) Monitoring
We are developing low-cost portable reflectance confocal microscopy (PCM) devices for in vivo human skin imaging for skin cancer diagnosis and diabetes, utilizing a spectrally-encoded line-scanning approach. This design offers several key advantages: (1) miniaturization by eliminating mechanical scanners, (2) reduced cost by employing widely available optical and electronic components (e.g., LEDs, CMOS sensors), and (3) high imaging speed, unrestrained by mechanical scanning limitations.
Starting from a smartphone-based confocal microscope, we have significantly enhanced the system. The latest device achieves subcellular resolution and rapid imaging speeds, enabling full 3D confocal imaging of tissue volumes within seconds while minimizing speckle noise.
Publications:
- High-speed reflectance confocal microscopy using speckle modulation (2024)
- Deep Learning-Based Denoising in High-Speed Portable Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (2021)
- Feasibility of portable confocal microscopy for point-of-care diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma in a low-resource setting (2021)
- Preliminary imaging of skin lesions with near-infrared, portable confocal microscopy (2020)
- Speckle-free, near-infrared portable confocal microscope (2020)
- Low-cost near infrared reflectance confocal microscope (2019)
- Smartphone confocal microscopy for imaging cellular structures in human skin in vivo (2018)
Portable in vivo Confocal Ophthalmoscope for Corneal Infections Diagnosis
We are developing a Portable in vivo Confocal Ophthalmoscope (PICO) that can provide accurate and rapid diagnosis in corneal ulcers, a vision-threatening condition caused by infection that leads to blindness or visual impairment in 4.2 million people worldwide each year. Building on our portable skin IVCM technology, PICO will feature (1) non-contact corneal imaging, (2) a 12-fold increase in FOV, (3) 8× faster imaging, and (4) >10× lower cost than current commercial devices. We envision that PICO will become a standard corneal imaging tool worldwide, greatly improving the diagnosis and monitoring of corneal ulcers and other major diseases such as dry eye, Fuchs’ dystrophy, and corneal nerve assessment for peripheral neuropathy in Parkinson’s and diabetes.
Publications:
Scattering-based Light Sheet Microscope for Anal Cancer Screening
We are developing a groundbreaking approach to improve early detection of anal precancer using Scattering-Based Light Sheet Microscopy (sLSM) combined with automated image analysis. Our technology enables high-resolution visualization of nuclear structures in tissue, offering a powerful alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. By leveraging machine learning and custom-built algorithms, we achieve accurate and rapid classification of high-grade lesions (HSIL) with 90% sensitivity and up to 80% specificity—comparable to expert pathologists. This work lays the foundation for real-time, minimally invasive biopsy guidance and screening in clinical settings.
Publications:
Sidestream Dark Field Microscope for Skin Cancer Diagnosis
We are developing a high-resolution Sidestream Dark Field Microscope (SDF) to noninvasively visualize the melanin and microvasculature of human skin in vivo. By capturing high contrast real-time images, our platform aims to identify dermatological patterns associated with skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. This work integrates optical engineering, image processing, and clinical validation to create a low-cost, point-of-care diagnostic tool that supports early detection and improves patient outcomes.
Publications:
Low-cost Chromatic Confocal Endomicroscope for Cervical Cancer Screening
We developed a low-cost, handheld Chromatic Confocal Endomicroscope (CCE) that captures cross-sectional images of tissue at cellular resolution using chromatic focal shift and a miniature spectrometer. The device provides optical sectioning without mechanical scanning and achieves 2 µm lateral and 4 µm axial resolution down to 100 µm in depth. This technology offers potential for early, point-of-care cancer diagnosis in low-resource settings.
Publications: