To achieve a comprehensive optical characterization of collagen within its native environment, we present a novel label-free multimodal polarimetric imaging system that integrates polarization-sensitive second-harmonic generation microscopy, polarization-sensitive optical coherence microscopy, and two-photon autofluorescence lifetime imaging. Through simultaneous and co-registered measurements, this multimodal approach captures different collagen signatures by exploring diverse light-collagen interactions across multiple scales. Quantitative information was retrieved at the tissue level, the collagen fibril level, and the molecular level. We believe that this innovative multimodal and quantitative approach has the potential to significantly enhance our fundamental understanding of collagen, especially its intricate roles in human health and disease.
|