A Novel Technique for Generating and Observing Chemiluminescence in a Biological Setting

J Vis Exp. 2017 Mar 9:(121):54694. doi: 10.3791/54694.

Abstract

Intraoperative imaging techniques have the potential to make surgical interventions safer and more effective; for these reasons, such techniques are quickly moving into the operating room. Here, we present a new approach that utilizes a technique not yet explored for intraoperative imaging: chemiluminescent imaging. This method employs a ruthenium-based chemiluminescent reporter along with a custom-built nebulizing system to produce ex vivo or in vivo images with high signal-to-noise ratios. The ruthenium-based reporter produces light following exposure to an aqueous oxidizing solution and re-reduction within the surrounding tissue. This method has allowed us to detect reporter concentrations as low as 6.9 pmol/cm2. In this work, we present a visual guide to our proof-of-concept in vivo studies involving subdermal and intravenous injections in mice. The results suggest that this technology is a promising candidate for further preclinical research and might ultimately become a useful tool in the operating room.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Luminescence*
  • Luminescent Measurements / methods*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Models, Animal
  • Monitoring, Intraoperative / methods*