Welcome to the Fixler Lab at Tel Aviv University
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Research
Pioneering nanophotonic technologies and multimodal imaging strategies for precise, non-invasive biomedical diagnostics. Our research integrates smart contrast agents with wearable sensing platforms to enable early disease detection and physiological monitoring with unprecedented sensitivity
Dual-modal diffusion reflection and fluorescent lifetime imaging
My group has developed an ultra-sensitive dual-modal imaging system that combines diffusion reflection (DR) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to achieve specific biomedical detection using hybrid fluorophore-GNR nanoparticles. This approach bridges the gap between biological and preclinical imaging by utilizing quantitative optical measurements and fluorescence decay rates to overcome the resolution limits of individual methods. Additionally, we are leading a European Consortium (COST) to establish Correlated Multimodal Imaging (CMI) as a versatile tool in biomedical research.
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Gold nanoparticle-based Diffusion reflection diagnosis
Gold nanoparticles, particularly nanorods (GNRs), serve as unique contrast agents for diffusion reflection imaging due to their tunable optical properties and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). We have successfully demonstrated the use of targeted GNRs for the sensitive in vivo detection of head and neck cancer and the identification of active atherosclerotic lesions. This pioneering work has secured prestigious funding and resulted in publications in high-ranking journals like ACS Nano.
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Development of unique contrast agents for diffusion reflection and multimodal imaging
To enhance multimodal imaging, we are developing advanced contrast agents such as hybrid fluorophore-GNR nanoparticles and Carbon Dots (CDs) that offer high quantum yield and superior stability. These novel materials overcome the cytotoxicity and photo-bleaching limitations of traditional organic dyes while allowing for precise optical tuning to maximize tissue penetration. This development is crucial for optimizing both diffusion reflection and FLIM modalities for accurate medical diagnosis.
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Fluorescent lifetime characterization for quantitating high throughput diagnosis
We are advancing the shift from structural to functional imaging by utilizing Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to detect disease-related biomarkers at the single-molecule level. FLIM provides high-contrast imaging that is independent of fluorophore concentration, revealing critical spatial and temporal information about the intracellular microenvironment. This technique significantly enhances diagnostic capabilities, offering a robust method for identifying abnormalities in clinical samples.
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Full scattering profile (wearable device)
We are developing a novel wearable pulse oximetry method based on measuring the Full Scattering Profile (FSP) and identifying the unique Isopath-Length (IPL) point. Unlike standard clinical devices, this approach eliminates errors caused by optical path length variations by analyzing the angular distribution of photons in cylindrical tissues like fingertips. This innovative technique promises significantly improved accuracy for measuring oxygen saturation and paves the way for optical blood pressure monitoring.
