Performance Evaluation of CCD- and Mobile-Phone-Based Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Systems with Molded and 3D-Printed Phantoms

Increasing numbers of devices are emerging which involve biophotonic imaging on a mobile platform. Therefore, effective test methods are needed to ensure that these devices provide a high level of image quality. We have developed novel phantoms for performance assessment of near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging devices. Resin molding and 3D printing techniques were applied for phantom fabrication. Comparisons between two imaging approaches - a CCD-based scientific camera and an NIR-enabled mobile phone - were made based on evaluation of the contrast transfer function and penetration depth. Optical properties of the phantoms were evaluated, including absorption and scattering spectra and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices. The potential viability of contrast-enhanced biological NIRF imaging with a mobile phone is demonstrated, and color-channel-specific variations in image quality are documented. Our results provide evidence of the utility of novel phantom-based test methods for quantifying image quality in emerging NIRF devices.