Multiplexed whole-animal imaging with reversibly switchable optoacoustic proteins

Abstract

We introduce two photochromic proteins for cell-specific in vivo optoacoustic (OA) imaging with signal unmixing in the temporal domain. We show highly sensitive, multiplexed visualization of T lymphocytes, bacteria, and tumors in the mouse body and brain. We developed machine learning–based software for commercial imaging systems for temporal unmixed OA imaging, enabling its routine use in life sciences.