A preliminary study of post-progressive nail-art effects on in vivo nail plate using optical coherence tomography-based intensity profiling assessment.

Nail beautification is a widely applied gender independent practice. Excessive nail beautifications and nail-arts have a direct impact on the nail structure and can cause nail disorders. Therefore, the assessment of post-progressive nail-art effects on the nail is essential to maintain optimal nail health and to avoid any undesirable disorders. In this study, in vivo nails were examined in control stage, with a nail-art stage, and after removing the nail-art stage using a 1310 nm spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system. The acquired cross-sectional OCT images were analyzed by a laboratory customized signal processing algorithm to obtain scattered intensity profiling assessments that could reveal the effects of nail beautification on the nail plate. The formation and progression of cracks on the nail plate surface were detected as an effect of nail beautification after 72 h of nail-art removal. Changes in backscattered light intensity and nail plate thickness of control and art-removed nails were quantitatively compared. The results revealed the potential feasibility of the developed OCT-based inspection procedure to diagnose post-progressive nail-art effects on in vivo nail plate, which can be helpful to prevent nail plate damages during art removal through real-time monitoring of the boundary between the nail plate and nail-art. Besides nail-art effects, the developed method can also be used for the investigation of nail plate abnormalities by examining the inconsistency of internal and external nail plate structure, which can be diagnosed with both qualitative and quantitative assessments from a clinical perspective.

Multi-directional Morphological Assessment of Single Bacterial Colonies Through Non-invasive Optical Imaging.

A bacterium in bacterial colony is a basal component of bacterial studies and is therefore of considerable importance. The morphological characteristics of a single colony have been widely used as the standard to identify diverse bacterial species. However, the conventional methods for obtaining morphological information, such as microscopic techniques, cannot provide tomographic views. This study utilizes spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to observe both external and internal structures for single colonies. OCT imaging provided a clear top (projection) and lateral (cross-sectional) images, which can identify distinct features in the fifteen different bacterial species examined. Through the acquired OCT images, the elevation type in each genus was confirmed, and the quantitative measurements for morphology including a diameter, height, and elevation angle were achieved. Moreover, the OCT raw data was used to build three-dimensional images to observe outer appearances in all direction. As a result, the averaged angles of 7.92°, 14.40°, 6.78°, and 11.92° of the genus Hymenobacter, Spirosoma, Bacillus, and Deinococcus, respectively, were calculated. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that OCT is a highly feasible, non-invasive method for the identification of bacterial species, providing detailed morphological and visual information. It thus has strong potential for applications in bacteriology, as well as biomedical and food sciences.

Functional assessment of moisture influenced cadaveric tympanic membrane using phase shift-resolved optical Doppler vibrography.

An elevated relative moisture in the external ear canal and middle ear cavity may predispose to chronic otorrhea and related infections along with abnormal tympanic membrane (TM) vibration patterns. Therefore, phase shift-resolved optical Doppler vibrography (ODV) was used for vibration assessments of moisture influenced cadaveric TM. ODV was applied to generate time resolved cross-sectional and volumetric vibrographs of a cadaveric TM, driven acoustically at several frequencies. In order to analyze the effect of moisture on TM, homogenous moisture conditions were provided by soaking the cadaveric TM specimens in 1× phosphate buffer saline with a pH of 7.4. The TM specimen was exposed to a rapidly switchable frequency generator during the ODV image acquisition. The experiment was conducted for 3 hours and the cadaveric TM was exposed to each frequency with an interval of 30 minutes. Acquired phase shift-resolved ODV assessments revealed a depth dependent vibration tendency between the applied frequencies, along with a decline in the moisture level of the cadaveric TM specimen. Thus, the ODV method can aid our understanding of sound conduction in the middle ear, thus supporting the diagnosis of TM diseases.

In Situ Characterization of Micro-Vibration in Natural Latex Membrane Resembling Tympanic Membrane Functionally Using Optical Doppler Tomography.

Non-invasive characterization of micro-vibrations in the tympanic membrane (TM) excited by external sound waves is considered as a promising and essential diagnosis in modern otolaryngology. To verify the possibility of measuring and discriminating the vibrating pattern of TM, here we describe a micro-vibration measurement method of latex membrane resembling the TM. The measurements are obtained with an externally generated audio stimuli of 2.0, 2.2, 2.8, 3.1 and 3.2 kHz, and their respective vibrations based tomographic, volumetric and quantitative evaluations were acquired using optical Doppler tomography (ODT). The micro oscillations and structural changes which occurred due to diverse frequencies are measured with sufficient accuracy using a highly sensitive ODT system implied phase subtraction method. The obtained results demonstrated the capability of measuring and analyzing the complex varying micro-vibration of the membrane according to implied sound frequency.

Biocompatibility evaluation of bioprinted decellularized collagen sheet implanted in vivo cornea using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

Corneal transplantation by full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty with human donor tissue is a widely accepted treatment for damaged or diseased corneas. Although corneal transplantation has a high success rate, a shortage of high-quality donor tissue is a considerable limitation. Therefore, bioengineered corneas could be an effective solution for this limitation, and a decellularized extracellular matrix comprises a promising scaffold for their fabrication. In this study, three-dimensional bioprinted decellularized collagen sheets were implanted into the stromal layer of the cornea of five rabbits. We performed in vivo noninvasive monitoring of the rabbit corneas using swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) after implanting the collagen sheets. Anterior segment OCT images and averaged amplitude-scans were acquired biweekly to monitor corneal thickness after implantation for 1 month. The averaged cornea thickness in the control images was 430.3 ± 5.9 µm, while the averaged thickness after corneal implantation was 598.5 ± 11.8 µm and 564.5 ± 12.5 µm at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The corneal thickness reduction of 34 µm confirmed the biocompatibility through the image analysis of the depth-intensity profile base. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin staining supported the biocompatibility evaluation of the bioprinted decellularized collagen sheet implantation. Hence, the developed bioprinted decellularized collagen sheets could become an alternative solution to human corneal donor tissue, and the proposed image analysis procedure could be beneficial to confirm the success of the surgery.

Clinical Utility of Intraoperative Tympanomastoidectomy Assessment Using a Surgical Microscope Integrated with an Optical Coherence Tomography.

Significant technical and optical advances are required for intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) to be utilized during otological surgeries. Integrating OCT with surgical microscopy makes it possible to evaluate soft tissue in real-time and at a high resolution. Herein, we describe an augmented-reality, intraoperative OCT/microscope system with an extended working distance of 280 mm, providing more space for surgical manipulation than conventional techniques. We initially performed ex vivo experiments to evaluate system performance. In addition, we validated the system by performing preliminary clinical assessments of tympanomastoidectomy outcomes in six patients with chronic otitis media. The system evaluated residual inflammation in the region-of-interest of the mastoid bone. Most importantly, the system intraoperatively revealed the connection between the graft and the remnant tympanic membrane. The extended working distance allows otological surgeons to evaluate the status of both the mastoid bone and tympanic membrane during manipulation, affording full intraoperative imaging.

Biophotonic approach for the characterization of initial bitter-rot progression on apple specimens using optical coherence tomography assessments.

The tremendous advances achieved in the biophotonics technologies have intensified the necessity for non-invasive modalities that can characterize diverse biological materials with increased sensitivity and resolution. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is one of the techniques that has been applied for biological applications in medicine and agriculture to identify structural properties. Herein, we report the successful incorporation of OCT for the identification of morphological changes that occur as a result of the bitter rot disease, through continuous detection of structural changes. Detailed inner morphological structural changes occurring in fruit specimens were precisely analyzed as a function of the disease incubation period using OCT. The conducted histological correlation and quantitative three-dimensional evaluations provide a robust platform for further discoveries related to plant materials. The results highlight the initial identification of bitter rot progression on apple specimens owing to the non-invasive inspection capability of OCT. Therefore, we expect that the proposed method will enable immediate sensitivity improvements in the inspection of plant diseases for postharvest utility.

Non-Destructive Classification of Diversely Stained Capsicum annuum Seed Specimens of Different Cultivars Using Near-Infrared Imaging Based Optical Intensity Detection.

The non-destructive classification of plant materials using optical inspection techniques has been gaining much recent attention in the field of agriculture research. Among them, a near-infrared (NIR) imaging method called optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a well-known agricultural inspection tool since the last decade. Here we investigated the non-destructive identification capability of OCT to classify diversely stained (with various staining agents) Capsicum annuum seed specimens of different cultivars. A swept source (SS-OCT) system with a spectral band of 1310 nm was used to image unstained control C. annuum seeds along with diversely stained Capsicum seeds, belonging to different cultivar varieties, such as C. annuum cv. PR Ppareum, C. annuum cv. PR Yeol, and C. annuum cv. Asia Jeombo. The obtained cross-sectional images were further analyzed for the changes in the intensity of back-scattered light (resulting due to dye pigment material and internal morphological variations) using a depth scan profiling technique to identify the difference among each seed category. The graphically acquired depth scan profiling results revealed that the control specimens exhibit less back-scattered light intensity in depth scan profiles when compared to the stained seed specimens. Furthermore, a significant back-scattered light intensity difference among each different cultivar group can be identified as well. Thus, the potential capability of OCT based depth scan profiling technique for non-destructive classification of diversely stained C. annum seed specimens of different cultivars can be sufficiently confirmed through the proposed scheme. Hence, when compared to conventional seed sorting techniques, OCT can offer multipurpose advantages by performing sorting of seeds in respective to the dye staining and provides internal structural images non-destructively.

Optical coherence tomography-integrated, wearable (backpack-type), compact diagnostic imaging modality for in situ leaf quality assessment.

We developed a compact, wearable diagnostic imaging modality employing optical coherence tomography for in situ plant leaf quality assessments. This system is capable of diagnosing infected leaves at the initial disease stages. Our system is a versatile backpack-type imaging modality with a compact spectrometer, miniature computer, rechargeable power source, and handheld inspection probe. This method enhances real-time in situ specimen inspection through direct implementation of the imaging modality in a plantation. To evaluate the initial performance, field experiments were conducted in apple, pear, and persimmon plantations. Based on the obtained results, we can conclude that the developed imaging modality can be considered as a promising, efficient, convenient, and fast in situ inspection technique for various agricultural fields, which minimizes the limitations of complex tabletop inspection modalities.

In vivo 3D imaging of the human tympanic membrane using a wide-field diagonal-scanning optical coherence tomography probe.

A wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe was developed that adapts a diagonal-scanning scheme for three-dimensional (3D) in vivo imaging of the human tympanic membrane. The probe consists of a relay lens to enhance the lateral scanning range up to 7 mm. Motion artifacts that occur with the use of handheld probes were found to be decreased owing to the diagonal-scanning pattern, which crosses the center of the sample to facilitate entire 3D scans. 3D images could be constructed from a small number of two-dimensional OCT images acquired using the diagonal-scanning technique. To demonstrate the usefulness and performance of the developed system with the handheld probe, in vivo tympanic membranes of humans and animals were imaged in real time.

Optical coherence tomography-integrated, wearable (backpack-type), compact diagnostic imaging modality for in situ leaf quality assessment: publisher's note.

This note points out additional funding that was not added to Appl. Opt.56, D108 (2017)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.56.00D108.

Optical sensing method to analyze germination rate of Capsicum annum seeds treated with growth-promoting chemical compounds using optical coherence tomography.

Seed germination rate differs based on chemical treatments, and nondestructive measurements of germination rate have become an essential requirement in the field of agriculture. Seed scientists and other biologists are interested in optical sensing technologies-based biological discoveries due to nondestructive detection capability. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently emerged as a powerful method for biological and plant material discoveries. We report an extended application of OCT by monitoring the germination rate acceleration of chemically primed seeds. To validate the versatility of the method, Capsicum annum seeds were primed using three chemical compounds: sterile distilled water (SDW), butandiol, and 1-hexadecene. Monitoring was performed using a 1310-nm swept source OCT system. The results confirmed more rapid morphological variations in the seeds treated with 1-hexadecene medium than the seeds treated with SDW and butandiol within 8 consecutive days. In addition, fresh weight measurements (gold standard) of seeds were monitored for 15 days, and the obtained results were correlated with the OCT results. Thus, such a method can be used in various agricultural fields, and OCT shows potential as a rigorous sensing method for selecting the optimal plant growth-promoting chemical compounds rapidly, when compared with the gold standard methods.

Full-Field Optical Coherence Tomography Using Galvo Filter-Based Wavelength Swept Laser.

We report a wavelength swept laser-based full-field optical coherence tomography for measuring the surfaces and thicknesses of refractive and reflective samples. The system consists of a galvo filter-based wavelength swept laser and a simple Michelson interferometer. Combinations of the reflective and refractive samples are used to demonstrate the performance of the system. By synchronizing the camera with the source, the cross-sectional information of the samples can be seen after each sweep of the swept source. This system can be effective for the thickness measurement of optical thin films as well as for the depth investigation of samples in industrial applications. A resolution target with a glass cover slip and a step height standard target are imaged, showing the cross-sectional and topographical information of the samples.

Fast Industrial Inspection of Optical Thin Film Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

An application of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was demonstrated for a fast industrial inspection of an optical thin film panel. An optical thin film sample similar to a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel was examined. Two identical SD-OCT systems were utilized for parallel scanning of a complete sample in half time. Dual OCT inspection heads were utilized for transverse (fast) scanning, while a stable linear motorized translational stage was used for lateral (slow) scanning. The cross-sectional and volumetric images of an optical thin film sample were acquired to detect the defects in glass and other layers that are difficult to observe using visual inspection methods. The rapid inspection enabled by this setup led to the early detection of product defects on the manufacturing line, resulting in a significant improvement in the quality assurance of industrial products.

Optical Inspection and Morphological Analysis of Diospyros kaki Plant Leaves for the Detection of Circular Leaf Spot Disease.

The feasibility of using the bio-photonic imaging technique to assess symptoms of circular leaf spot (CLS) disease in Diospyros kaki (persimmon) leaf samples was investigated. Leaf samples were selected from persimmon plantations and were categorized into three groups: healthy leaf samples, infected leaf samples, and healthy-looking leaf samples from infected trees. Visually non-identifiable reduction of the palisade parenchyma cell layer thickness is the main initial symptom, which occurs at the initial stage of the disease. Therefore, we established a non-destructive bio-photonic inspection method using a 1310 nm swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) system. These results confirm that this method is able to identify morphological differences between healthy leaves from infected trees and leaves from healthy and infected trees. In addition, this method has the potential to generate significant cost savings and good control of CLS disease in persimmon fields.

Quantitative monitoring of laser-treated engineered skin using optical coherence tomography.

Nowadays, laser therapy is a common method for treating various dermatological troubles such as acne and wrinkles because of its efficient and immediate skin enhancement. Although laser treatment has become a routine procedure in medical and cosmetic fields, the prevention of side-effects, such as hyperpigmentation, redness and burning, still remains a critical issue that needs to be addressed. In order to reduce the side-effects while attaining efficient therapeutic outcomes, it is essential to understand the light-skin interaction through evaluation of physiological changes before and after laser therapy. In this study, we introduce a quantitative tissue monitoring method based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the evaluation of tissue regeneration after laser irradiation. To create a skin injury model, we applied a fractional CO2 laser on a customized engineered skin model, which is analogous to human skin in terms of its basic biological function and morphology. The irradiated region in the skin was then imaged by a high-speed OCT system, and its morphologic changes were analyzed by automatic segmentation software. Volumetric OCT images in the laser treated area clearly visualized the wound healing progress at different time points and provided comprehensive information which cannot be acquired through conventional monitoring methods. The results showed that the laser wound in engineered skins was mostly recovered from within 1~2 days with a fast recovery time in the vertical direction. However, the entire recovery period varied widely depending on laser doses and skin type. Our results also indicated that OCT-guided laser therapy would be a very promising protocol for optimizing laser treatment for skin therapy.