Recent advances toward preclinical and clinical translation of photoacoustic tomography: a review

Photoacoustic imaging is an emerging hybrid imaging modality that can provide multicontrast, multiscale imaging of biological features ranging from organelles to organs. The three major embodiments of photoacoustic imaging are microscopy, endoscopy, and computed tomography. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) or photoacoustic computed tomography allows deep-tissue imaging, and hence it is more suitable for whole body preclinical/clinical imaging applications. Due to fast-growing laser technology and ultrasound detector technology, PAT is evolving rapidly, leading to a quicker translation into clinical trials. We review the recent developments of PAT systems and their applications in preclinical and clinical practices.