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

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. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Biophotonics published by Wiley-VCH GmbH