Photogen microscope software defines tissue

Photogen Technologies is hoping to sell medical imaging companies on the idea of using signal processing software that can be plugged into a two-photon microscope for diagnostic imaging.

The Knoxville, TN-based firm develops new uses for laser technology to destroy diseased cells, remove tissue, or identify diseases. Photogen’s signal processing software creates three-dimensional images of living cells using a two-photon microscope, said Photogen senior scientist Walt Fisher.

Two-photon imaging is an advanced, noninvasive laser method that uses light energy to obtain 3-D images. Biomedical research firms use two-photon imaging to study diabetes, neurological disease, and cancer.

The signal processing software, when used in microscopes, can detect lesions, melanoma, and acintic keratosis, said Photogen scientist Eric Wachter.

“We’ve been able to demonstrate the ability to image through a centimeter (of tissue) using a thawed chicken breast. Human skin may be easier to peer through. If we can image through (the chicken breast), we should be able to image through human skin,” Wachter said.

The company will pursue licensing agreements with manufacturers of two-photon and multiphoton microscopy and medical imaging technology, said Timothy Scott, Photogen’s interim CEO and president.

One potential candidate is Zeiss, the Swiss optics firm that supplies products to medical imaging companies, according to Wachter.