Title: Disposable ultrasound-sensing chronic cranial window by soft nanoimprinting lithography

Abstract

Chronic cranial window (CCW) is an essential tool in enabling longitudinal imaging and manipulation of various brain activities in live animals. However, an active CCW capable of sensing the concealed in vivo environment while simultaneously providing longitudinal optical access to the brain is not currently available. Here we report a disposable ultrasound-sensing CCW (usCCW) featuring an integrated transparent nanophotonic ultrasonic detector fabricated using soft nanoimprint lithography process. We optimize the sensor design and the associated fabrication process to significantly improve detection sensitivity and reliability, which are critical for the intend longitudinal in vivo investigations. Surgically implanting the usCCW on the skull creates a self-contained environment, maintaining optical access while eliminating the need for external ultrasound coupling medium for photoacoustic imaging. Using this usCCW, we demonstrate photoacoustic microscopy of cortical vascular network in live mice over 28 days. Finally, this work establishes the foundation for integrating photoacoustic imaging with modern brain research.

Authors:

Li, Hao ^[1]; Dong, Biqin ^[2]; Zhang, Xian ^[3]; Shu, Xiao ^[1]; Chen, Xiangfan ^[2]; Hai, Rihan  ^[2];

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Czaplewski, David A.  ^[4];

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• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0003-2262-0908"
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Zhang, Hao F.  ^[1];

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Sun, Cheng  ^[2]

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• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-2744-0896"
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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States). Biomedical Engineering Dept.
2. Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States). Mechanical Engineering Dept.
3. Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States). Biomedical Engineering Dept.; HuaZhong Univ. of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei (China). Tongji Medical College, Dept. of Ophthalmology
4. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Center for Nanoscale Materials

Publication Date:

2019-09-19

Research Org.:

Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

National Science Foundation (NSF); National Institutes of Health (NIH); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

OSTI Identifier:

1574377

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC02-06CH11357

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Nature Communications

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 10; Journal Issue: 1; Journal ID: ISSN 2041-1723

Publisher:

Nature Publishing Group

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION