Optical clearing of human skin: comparative study of permeability and dehydration of intact and photothermally perforated skin

J Biomed Opt. 2008 Mar-Apr;13(2):021102. doi: 10.1117/1.2899149.

Abstract

Accelerated diffusion of water and hyperosmotic optical clearing agents is studied as a result of enhanced epidermal permeability. A lattice of microzones (islets) of damage in stratum corneum is induced using a flash-lamp applique system. An optical clearing agent composed of 88% glycerol in aqueous solution is used for all experiments. Research of skin dehydration and glycerol delivery through epidermis at both intact and perforated stratum corneum is presented. The dehydration process induced by both stimuli of evaporation and osmotic agent action is studied by weight measurements. Dynamics of refractive index alteration of both glycerol solution and water during their interaction with skin samples is monitored. The amounts of water escaping from skin through the stratum corneum, due to hyperosmotic-agent action, and glycerol penetrating through the skin sample, are estimated. The results show that the proposed method allows for effective transepidermal water loss and delivery of optical clearing agents.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohols / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Body Water / metabolism*
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Permeability / drug effects
  • Phototherapy / methods
  • Refractometry
  • Skin Absorption / drug effects
  • Skin Absorption / physiology
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena / drug effects*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Alcohols
  • Dermatologic Agents