This project is designed to develop novel technologies and methods for real-time imaging of molecular and sub-cellular events in living cells, with the goal of improved cancer diagnosis and therapy. We develop biophotonic techniques and methodologies, including fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, to perform 3-D functional and structural imaging of live cells. Taking advantage of the native fluorophores in cells and fluorescent contrast agents introduced into living cells, our optical techniques directly image dynamic processes at the sub-cellular levels (at cell membranes, organelles, molecular DNA and intracellular ions).

Our experiments are currently performed in a laboratory setting, and later extended to in-vivo investigations of animal models via fiberoptic catheters. This would provide direct answers to crucial questions about tumor cell physiology and metabolism, and processes at genomic and proteomic levels. By nucleating a critical mass of investigators with expertise in biophotonics, electrical engineering, physics, scientific computing and biology, this project is to seed and foster rapid progress in the optical imaging of sub-cellular events in living organisms.