Imaging Cardiac Organoids with Laser Speckle
Project Description
The Mertz lab has been working on an optical imaging method to monitor tissue dynamics (vascularization, blood flow, perfusion, viscoelasticity, etc.) that is simple and can work at
frame rates greater than 100 Hz. The technology is based on laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) requires no labeling, is non-contact, and is designed to work in thick scattering media, making it ideal for non-invasive assessment of living cardiac tissue health. The goal of this project is to test improved LSCI processing algorithms and apply these to the monitoring of vascularization of cardiac organoid grafts in mouse tissue.
Mentor
| Jerome Mertz, PI |
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Research Goals
• We have been working on improved LSCI image processing algorithms. Part of this project will involve further developing and testing these algorithms with simulation and experiment.
• We will work the with the Chris Chen lab, which has been developing cardiac organoids. Part of this project will evaluate the integration of cardiac organoids in mouse tissue by monitoring the onset of vascularization and blood flow.
• We will work the with the Chris Chen lab, which has been developing cardiac organoids. Part of this project will evaluate the integration of cardiac organoids in mouse tissue by monitoring the onset of vascularization and blood flow.
Learning Goals
• The student will gain an in-depth understanding of LCSI theory and practice. The algorithms that will be developed are new and largely untested.
• The student will help in the design and construction of a portable LSCI microscope.
• Part of the project will involve the student working with biologists on the actual imaging of organoid grafts in mouse tissue.
• The student will help in the design and construction of a portable LSCI microscope.
• Part of the project will involve the student working with biologists on the actual imaging of organoid grafts in mouse tissue.