A Label‐Free Hyperspectral Imaging Device for Ex Vivo Characterization and Grading of Meningioma Tissues

TL;DR

HyperProbe1.1 is a new device that uses hyperspectral imaging to quickly analyze brain tumor tissues without labels, providing insights similar to traditional histopathology.

Contribution

HyperProbe1.1 introduces a label-free hyperspectral imaging system for rapid biochemical assessment of meningioma tissues.

Findings

HyperProbe1.1 enables rapid, label-free mapping of metabolic activity and vascular heterogeneity in meningioma tissues.

The system quantifies endogenous biomarkers like cytochrome c oxidase, hemoglobin derivatives, and lipids.

Molecular patterns from the system align with histopathological tumor grading according to the 2021 WHO classification.

Abstract

Histopathology remains the gold standard for definitive tumor diagnosis after surgical resection; however, its lengthy processing time can delay critical postoperative care. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is emerging as a promising label‐free technique for rapid biochemical tissue assessment. Here, we present HyperProbe1.1 (HP1.1), an HSI system designed for noninvasive analysis of fresh brain tumor biopsies. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we applied the HP1.1 system to freshly excised meningioma specimens—the most common primary intracranial tumors. The platform enabled rapid, label‐free mapping of metabolic activity and vascular heterogeneity, while spectral unmixing further allowed the quantification of endogenous biomarkers such as cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), hemoglobin derivatives, and lipids, revealing molecular patterns consistent with histopathological tumor grading according to the 2021 WHO classification. These results highlight the feasibility of HSI for rapid biochemical tissue assessment and its potential integration into intraoperative decision‐making.

HyperProbe1.1 enables rapid, label‐free biochemical mapping of freshly resected meningiomas. By quantifying endogenous biomarkers such as cytochrome c oxidase, hemoglobin derivatives, and lipids, the system reveals molecular signatures consistent with tumor grading and generates spatial maps that visualize metabolic and vascular heterogeneity across the tissue.

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