Fluorescence-based optical imaging (FOI)

Fluorescence-based optical imaging is a non-invasive technique that visualizes biological processes by detecting the emission of light from fluorophores—molecules that absorb light at one wavelength and emit it at a longer wavelength. This method includes various modalities such as fluorescence microscopy, whole-body fluorescence imaging, and specialized clinical systems like indocyanine green-based fluorescence optical imaging. It is widely used in biomedical research to study cellular structures, protein interactions, gene expression dynamics, microcirculation changes due to inflammation or disease, and for diagnostic purposes. In clinical settings—particularly rheumatology—fluorescence optical imaging enables visualization of impaired microcirculation associated with inflammatory joint diseases by using intravenous fluorescent dyes like indocyanine green. The technique provides high sensitivity for detecting early pathological changes in tissues with minimal invasiveness. In research contexts, it allows real-time tracking of molecular events within living cells or organisms. Despite its broad utility across cell biology, neuroscience, oncology, pathology, infectious disease diagnostics—and its role in drug development screening—it is important to note that fluorescence-based optical imaging itself is not a therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme; rather it is an enabling technology/platform for studying targets. Therefore, Fluorescence-based optical imaging should not be classified as a molecular target but rather as an advanced bioimaging modality/technology platform. If you are seeking information on specific molecules imaged by this method—such as HER2 receptor or other protein targets—a more precise query naming the molecule/receptor would be appropriate. While not a biomarker itself, FOI can be used to visualize or quantify biomarkers such as HER2 in cancer diagnosis via FISH or immunohistochemistry. Regarding safety, while the general safety profile for noninvasive imaging is favorable, the use of fluorescent dyes like indocyanine green may have rare allergic reactions.

Other names

Fluorescence optical imagingFOIFluorescence imagingFluorescence microscopy (related but not identical)Indocyanine green-based fluorescence optical imaging (ICG-FOI)