Near-Field Microwave Tomography of Biological Tissues: Future Perspectives

This overview shows the mapping of specific visualization techniques, depth assessment of the structure of the underlying tissues and used wavelengths of radiation. Medical imaging is currently one of the most dynamically developing areas of medical science. The main aim of the review is a systematization of information on the current status of the microwave imaging of biological objects, primarily of body tissues. The main options of microwave sensing of biological objects are analyzed. Two basic techniques for sensing differing evaluation parameters are characterized. They are microwave thermometry (passive) and near-field resonance imaging. The physical principles of microwave sensing application are discussed. It is shown that the resonant near-field microwave tomography allows visualization of the structure of biological tissues on the basis of the spatial distribution of their electrodynamic characteristics - permittivity and conductivity. Potential areas for this method in dermatology, including dermatooncology, are shown. The known results of applying the method to patients with dermatoses are given. The informativeness of the technology in the early diagnosis of melanoma is shown. The prospects of microwave diagnostics in combustiology, reconstructive and plastic surgery are demonstrated. Thus, microwave sensing is a modern, dynamically developing method of biophysical assessment of body tissues. There is a strong indication of the feasibility of application of microwave sensing in combustiology (in different periods of burn disease), as well as in reconstructive surgery. Further research in this and other areas of biomedicine will significantly expand the range of possibilities of modern technologies of visualization.

Laser-Induced Spectral-Selective Autofluorescent Microscopy as a Prospective Method of Research in Biomedicine

In modern medical diagnostics, optical methods of studying living tissues have become widespread and are collectively called "optical biopsy". One such method is autofluorescence microscopy, which provides additional information about the structural and functional features of the sample. In this paper, an analysis of existing data was performed on the properties of autofluorescence of cells and tissues to evaluate the available instrumental systems and methods for monitoring autofluorescence and the potential for its application in the biomedical field. Over the past few years, advanced optical-electronic methods have become available to detect various pathological conditions of tissues and environments of the human body by evaluating signals emitted by endogenous fluorophores. Because these molecules are often involved in basic biological processes, they are important parameters for checking the condition of cells and tissues. In our opinion, analytical methods based on autofluorescence monitoring have great potential in both research and diagnosis, and interest in the use of these new analytical tools is constantly growing. Methods based on autofluorescence can give more information about the object under study with relatively lower costs and less diagnostic error.

Cell-Based Drug Delivery and Use of Nano-and Microcarriers for Cell Functionalization

Cell functionalization with recently developed various nano- and microcarriers for therapeutics has significantly expanded the application of cell therapy and targeted drug delivery for the effective treatment of a number of diseases. The aim of this progress report is to review the most recent advances in cell-based drug vehicles designed as biological transporter platforms for the targeted delivery of different drugs. For the design of cell-based drug vehicles, different pathways of cell functionalization, such as covalent and noncovalent surface modifications, internalization of carriers are considered in greater detail together with approaches for cell visualization in vivo. In addition, several animal models for the study of cell-assisted drug delivery are discussed. Finally, possible future developments and applications of cell-assisted drug vehicles toward targeted transport of drugs to a designated location with no or minimal immune response and toxicity are addressed in light of new pathways in the field of nanomedicine.