Visualization of Spatial Distribution of Small Drug Molecules inside Biological Tissues

Abstract

We developed a phase-controlled coherent Raman microscope to image the concentration distribution of small molecules in vivo (inhalation anesthetic molecules, steroid molecules, amino acids, vitamins). Using this instrument, we were successful in imaging the anesthetic molecules, detecting drug molecules in squid nerve cells, and measuring permeation process of taurine molecules through the mouse cornea.