Indian origin scientist developed new imaging technique to detect cancer

Rohit Bhargava, is an Indian based scientist who has developed stainless staining that provides a new tool for clinicians and researchers for better diagnosis of cancer. The study was led by Rohit in association with University of Illinois professor of bioengineering and member of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology.

Till today, prepared biopsy samples are stained and examined under a light microscope but Bhargava used infrared spectroscopic imaging for microscopy. He has reported the development of label-free chemical imaging to provide the same information as molecular stains. The outcome is that molecular stains can be reproduced without staining the tissue but by using the intrinsic molecular contrast of the tissue and computation. The study relies on computation instead of staining to provide biopsy images.

“Infrared and optical imaging seemed to be distinct modes for getting important data in pathology. This study shows a close link between the two, allowing the user to choose the best method to address their needs,” Bhargava commented in a university statement.

Another use of the approach can be in the analysis of small amounts of samples, for example from a thin needle biopsy.

“The development of this approach promises to have immediate and long-term impact in changing pathology to a multiplexed molecular science -- in both research and clinical practice,” the authors noted.

By Lizitha