The major application of the MPTflex™ is early diagnosis of skin diseases such as malignant melanoma. Using innovative non-invasive multiphoton technology the physician obtains optical biopsies with detailed information on living cells and tissue structures within their physiological environment. Dermatological disorders can be detected with submicron spatial resolution. The image acquisition time is less than 20 seconds per frame.
The novel tomograph MPTflex™ has the potential to revolutionize the conventional invasive time consuming diagnostic procedures. The multiphoton tomograph can also be used in tissue engineering and wound healing studies as well as in cosmetic and pharmaceutical research. The efficiency of anti-aging products as well as the biosafety of sunscreen nanoparticles can be tested in vivo. Furthermore, the skin age can be evaluated by measuring the ratio of elastin to collagen.
The optical sections of different locations of skin within the arm of a male and female volunteer. The images demonstrate a false-colored overlay of structures of elastin (autofluorescence) and collagen (SHG-signal). A more detailed description can be found in the image gallery (click).