Nonlinear vibrational imaging of tissues

Recent developments in optical imaging have revolutionized the way in which cells and tissue can be examined in vivo. The number of modern optical imaging techniques is continuously expanding, each offering a unique contrast mechanism and sensitivity to important bio-compounds in the system under study. In particular, the development of nonlinear methods such as two photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), second harmonic generation (SHG) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy has given the biomedical researcher additional tools for selectively visualizing endogenous compounds without the need of labeling. The multimodal nonlinear microscopy (MNM) approach integrates these complementary imaging techniques to better assess the biological specimen. In this contribution, we will review and discuss several recent applications of the multimodal nonlinear imaging approach in cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and skin health.