ABSTRACT
This article shows the adequacy of the custom-built optical imaging system in the advancement investigation of obese mice. Obesity is defined as increased adipose/fatty mass resulting from a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The in vivo investigation was performed for the tissue characterization of obese mice utilizing swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) for in situ examination and histology of delicate tissues in mice skin. It provides a noninvasive, painless visualization of the subsurface in life systems. Our SSOCT system's data is comparable to the regular invasive histology. Cross-assessment is done in various skin layers in obese mice like epidermis, papillary dermis, dermis, and fat tissue, which are likewise separated from the nonobese mice group. Histopathology results were further assessed with the obtained SSOCT results. This high precision of characterizing tissues using SSOCT helps us perform in vivo imaging and can also be used for the variable purpose of clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study presents a noninvasive, real-time monitoring technique for the cross-sectional imaging of the laser-tissue soldering process with a swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) system. The study also aims at performing a comparative study of the laser-tissue soldering (LTS) process using optimized compositions of albumin as solder biomaterials. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental study was conducted both ex vivo and in vivo to assess the superiority of the LTS process over conventional methods using a noninvasive imaging tool. In our attempt to combine the two techniques into one diagnostic tool, we have used the SSOCT system for a thoroughgoing investigation of the process in real-time. Laser-assisted tissue soldering was performed using a pulsed near-infrared (NIR) laser with a central wavelength of 980 nm, an output power of 5 W, and beam diameter (1/e 2 ) of 6 mm. Here, the SSOCT system has been utilized to observe and analyze the transitions taking place in real-time without disrupting the process. For the comparative study, we have used serum albumin in a 70% w/v concentration and albumin-PEG conjugate in a 6:1 ratio as soldering materials. Different stages of the laser interaction process were monitored with OCT B-scans of the incision area. Also, the basis of biomaterial-tissue interaction was studied with the help of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the soldering materials. RESULTS: FTIR spectrum alludes to the fact that the intertwining of the soldering biomaterial with tissue collagen creates adhesion. Biomaterial serum albumin with 70% w/v concentration as soldering material demonstrates complete sealing of tissue at the incision with 3 minutes of laser irradiation. SSOCT B-scans have been useful in imaging the incision noninvasively at different stages. CONCLUSION: Both ex vivo and in vivo demonstration of the LTS process were presented with a clinical resemblance. OCT can be of great value to determine the wound contraction in case of incisional wounds or sealed wounds produced by the LTS procedure. Also, volumetric measurements of percentage reduction in wound area can be done with OCT. SSOCT system can be a potential imaging modality for real-time noninvasive imaging of surgical procedures like LTS. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
