Table 2.
Comparison of different imaging modalities that have been utilized in combination with phototheranostic NPs.
| Imaging Modality | Excitation Source | Tissue Penetration Depth | Resolution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photoacoustic Imaging (PA) | Light | 10 mm - 9 cm | 30 – 700 µm | • High resolution • High tissue penetration • Fast acquisition |
• Small imaging surface area |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | Magnetic field | >10 cm | 50 µm - 2 mm | • High resolution • Large imaging surface area |
• Low sensitivity • Slow acquisition |
| Fluorescence Imaging (FL) | Light | 1–20 mm | 1–500 µm | • High resolution • Fast acquisition |
• Low tissue penetration |
| Computed Tomography (CT) | X-ray | >10cm | 50 µm – 1 mm | • High resolution • High relative speed |
• Radiation exposure |
| Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Imaging | Light | 5–25 mm | <1 µm | • High sensitivity • High photostability |
• Limited tissue penetration • Low relative speed |