Scientists from the Saratov National Research State University NG Chernyshevsky (SSU), together with Chinese and French colleagues, increased the effectiveness of the method for diagnosing skin cancer by creating a special gel that will increase the depth of tissue visualization. The Ministry of Education and Science told socialbites.ca about this.
Today, noninvasive tissue imaging methods using light are used for diagnostic purposes in oncology. They are based on controlling the optical properties of skin layers, such as light absorption and scattering. However, skin scatters light strongly, which reduces the contrast and depth of penetration of the tissue image.
“In order for the light to pass through the protective barrier of the epidermis and underlying tissues and reach the deeper layers, a special mixture is applied to the skin surface – an optical brightening agent based on biocompatible substances such as sugars, alcohols, fatty acids or organic solvents. These agents replace the interstitial fluid (water), making the tissue optically more homogeneous, thus reducing scattering and allowing deeper penetration of light.” Valery Tuchin, head of the department of optics and biophotonics at the SSU Institute of Physics, corresponding member Russian Academy of Sciences’ he told socialbites.ca.
The biocompatible whitening agent consists of a mixture of polyethylene glycol-400, propylene glycol and oleic acid. The agent is less toxic than analogues and increases the brightness and contrast of optical coherence tomography images throughout the depth of the skin.
The discovery will significantly increase the depth sensitivity of optical imaging and spectroscopy methods for diagnosing skin cancer. Scientists are ready to bring new technology into clinical practice.
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