The goal of biomedical imaging is to provide structural and functional information and to visualize biological processes from the nanoscale, to the molecular, cellular, and systems scale. Optical imaging modalities like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and coherence microscopy are emerging as promising modalities for imaging at molecular levels allowing scientists to identify, follow and quantify subcellular biological processes and pathways within a living organism. Molecular imaging is expected to play an important role in oncology, for example, by aiding the early detection of malignancies, locating metastatic disease, staging tumors, evaluating the availability of therapeutic targets, and monitoring the efficacy of treatment. We aim at the development of novel molecular contrast agents and mechanisms that can exploit the high sensitivity of interferometric optical imaging modalities. Novel nanoparticle-based probes can not only provide molecular contrast, but also would serve as agents for therapy and drug delivery applications. The nanoprobes at a cellular level can be exploited to study the biomechanical properties and biosensing applications.