TriTom™

Small Animal Whole Body Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Platform

Imaging Gallery

Applications

Webinars

Features

System Overview

The TriTom imaging platform utilizes photoacoustic and fluorescence tomographies (PAFT) to enable high-resolution (up to 160 µm) non-invasive in vivo whole-body imaging in small animal models. With the ability to use multiple excitation wavelengths per scan, the multi-modality system can simultaneously acquire photoacoustic and fluorescence data in large volumes (> 25 cm3) allowing for spectroscopic molecular analysis within the region of interest. In addition to 3D molecular maps, the TriTom enables spatially-resolved assessment of physiologic parameters in vivo, such as volumetric blood content and oxygenation without the need for contrast agents. The TriTom also provides quantitative imaging for a wide range of fluorophores and other types of molecular probes excited between 460 nm and 1320 nm. With such versatile imaging capabilities, the state-of-the-art TriTom system is ideally suited for a wide range of preclinical applications including cancer, toxicology, developmental biology, tissue engineering and regeneration, neuroscience, cardiovascular imaging, as well as in the development of drugs, therapies, and optical and fluorescent imaging probes.

The TriTom is specially designed for imaging small animal models with a convenient animal handling set-up for fast, reproducible positioning of the subject and integrated gas anesthesia to quickly move from animal preparation to imaging. The rapid image acquisition time (~36 seconds) allows for fast imaging of individual subjects or capturing dynamic processes such as biodistribution, lymphatic drainage, or vasodilation. Additionally, the temperature control unit maintains the imaging environment within ± 0.1°C, ensuring the animal’s welfare throughout the imaging session.

A user-friendly image acquisition software enables new users to start collecting data quickly while maintaining the flexibility for advanced users to optimize imaging parameters for their specific research applications. The image reconstruction software is also designed for rapid reconstruction and visualization of large volumes with an open data format that allows for flexibility in image reconstruction and data management. With such versatile imaging capabilities, the state-of-the-art TriTom system is ideally suited for a wide range of preclinical applications including cancer, toxicology, developmental biology, tissue engineering and regeneration, neuroscience, cardiovascular imaging, as well as in the development of drugs, therapies, and optical and fluorescent imaging probes.

Features & Benefits

Combined 3D photoacoustic and fluorescence tomography

By combining both 3D photoacoustic and fluorescence tomographies the TriTom system provides:

  • Deep tissue quantitative imaging (no depth limits in mouse models) with a high spatial resolution (up to 160 µm).
  • Superior molecular sensitivity.
  • Accurate 3D registration of anatomical, functional, and molecular volumes.
  • Accurate registration (in space and time) of multimodality (photoacoustic and fluorescence) images.
Single-scan assessment of multiple microsamples of contrast agents

Accelerates the development of novel contrast agents and molecular probes without wasting expensive samples.

Single-scan assessment of multiple (up to 10) microsamples (50 µL or less) of contrast agent quick-loaded into microcuvettes.

Integrated software suite
  • TriTom’s user-friendly interface minimizes the learning curve for operating the system and allows for easy image acquisition using quick-start presets or customizable scanning procedures.
  • Large-scale volumes and molecular maps are reconstructed in seconds with established procedures for image processing and analysis in open-source software (3D Slicer).
  • The open data format also allows for image reconstruction and data management with third-party software.
Fast imaging scans of large volumes

The short scan time on the TriTom enables assessment of slow dynamic processes (time constants ≥1 min) such as biodistribution of molecular probes, lymphatic drainage, vasodilation, etc.

  • Fast (<36s) imaging scans of large (> 25 cm3) volumes.
Nanosecond pulsed laser

Enables quantitative photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging with a very broad assortment of endogenous molecules (hemoglobin, water, melanin, lipids, etc.), molecular probes (fluorophores, nanoparticles, quantum dots) with excitation from visible to NIR-II range.

  • Tunable in a wide spectral range: 460 nm – 1320 nm.
Multi-modality compact design

Saves valuable laboratory space.

High-sensitivity sCMOS fluorescence camera combined with a nanosecond pulsed laser excitation

High signal-to-noise ratio of fluorescent images acquired with short exposures (10-20 ms) enables high frame rate image acquisition (up to 35 fps), fast 3D scans, and can be used to study dynamic rapid processes.

Optical excitation wavelength is tunable

Enables fast molecular imaging scans, which require multiple excitation wavelengths (unmixing multiple molecular species using both photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging channels).

Optical excitation wavelength is tunable across the entire spectral range (460 nm – 650 nm and 650 nm – 1320 nm windows) with speeds up to 20 Hz.

Integrated gas anesthesia line and adjustable mouse holder

Designed for convenient operation and repeatable in vivo longitudinal studies.

Up to 360° rotational coverage of the subject during a scan

True 3D reconstruction of the sample and high-resolution axial, coronal, and sagittal images on the TriTom system.

Temperature control unit

Maintains the temperature of the sample environment within ± 0.1°C.

Models & Specifications

TRITOM - Standard

  • Photoacoustic (PA) Imaging Channel
  • Fluorescence (FL) Imaging Channel
  • 4 Standard Emission Filters
  • sCMOS Camera
  • Control Station
  • Image Acquisition Unit
  • Laser Excitation Unit (532 nm & 640-1300 nm)
  • Excitation Fiberoptic Bundle
  • Accessories

TRITOM - Premium

  • Photoacoustic (PA) Imaging Channel
  • Fluorescence (FL) Imaging Channel
  • 8 Standard Emission Filters
  • High Sensitivity sCMOS Camera
  • Control Station
  • Image Acquisition Unit
  • Laser Excitation Unit (460 -1300 nm)
  • Excitation Fiberoptic Bundle
  • Accessories

Accessories & add-ons

Applications

Imaging Gallery

Past Webinars