Integrated photoacoustic and ultrasound localization microscopy for molecular and functional assessment of human lives

Liver transplantation faces a critical shortage due to high organ discard rates from unreliable biopsy assessments. We present the first application of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) for evaluating human liver viability pre-transplantation. Our multispectral PAI system detects collagen and lipid content to assess fibrosis and steatosis without contrast agents, while ULM provides super-resolution blood flow imaging during organ perfusion. With normothermic machine perfusion becoming standard practice for extended organ preservation, our dual-modal approach offers real-time, non-invasive, volumetric assessment of liver quality during perfusion, potentially reducing organ discard rates and improving transplant outcomes.