NIR-II Imaging Enhances Preclinical Optical Imaging for Deep-Tissue Applications

"NIR-II does not replace existing modalities but complements them."

The Next Frontier in Preclinical Imaging: NIR-II with the Newton FT-900

In a recent interview, Jade Marrow, Senior Product Manager at Scintica Instrumentation Inc., detailed the transformative benefits of NIR-II (short-wave infrared) imaging for preclinical research. The technology offers unprecedented advantages over traditional imaging modalities, including deeper tissue penetration, drastically reduced autofluorescence, and superior contrast.

Scintica is distributing the Newton FT-900, a groundbreaking system that integrates bioluminescence (BLI), visible/NIR-I, and NIR-II imaging within a single, unified platform.

NIR-II imaging utilizes wavelengths between 900–2000 nm. This longer wavelength is critical because it significantly reduces scattering and absorption by biological tissues.

The core advantage is a dramatic improvement in depth penetration and signal-to-background ratio—up to 10 times better than VIS/NIR-I.

This makes NIR-II ideal for challenging applications such as:

• Imaging deep-tissue organs like the liver and brain.
• Visualizing deep orthotopic tumors.
• Working with larger animal models.
• Performing biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies.
• Cardiovascular mapping and advanced probe development.

Researchers can also capitalize on existing fluorophores, as common agents like ICG and IRDye 800CW have emission tails that extend well into the NIR-II spectrum.

The Newton FT-900 is engineered to bridge the gap between established and emerging techniques. It features a dual-camera design:

1. A CCD camera for traditional BLI and VIS/NIR-I imaging (400–900 nm).
2. An InGaAs SWIR camera for dedicated NIR-II imaging (900–1700 nm).

"The Newton FT-900 allows users to perform BLI and conventional FLI alongside NIR-II without disrupting established workflows."

Jade Marrow emphasized that the system is non-invasive, non-ionizing, and ideally suited for longitudinal studies, which helps reduce the number of animals required per study. Furthermore, the platform requires no special room modifications for installation, making it accessible for any lab.

Marrow was clear that NIR-II is not intended to replace existing optical imaging methods. Instead, it is a powerful complement. The Newton FT-900 enables researchers to add NIR-II capabilities without abandoning their proven protocols.

"The platform is user-friendly and cost-effective compared to purchasing separate systems."

Scintica Instrumentation Inc. is a distributor of preclinical imaging systems from multiple manufacturers. The Newton FT-900 was specifically developed to address the fundamental limitations of conventional optical imaging when applied to deep-tissue studies. By combining all three major optical imaging modalities—bioluminescence, fluorescence, and NIR-II—into a single workflow, it offers researchers a comprehensive tool for advanced in vivo investigation.