Possible mechanisms for optical clearing of whole blood by dextrans

Ruikang K. Wang; Xiangqun Xu; James B. Elder; Valery V. Tuchin

doi:10.1117/12.479191

23 July 2003 Possible mechanisms for optical clearing of whole blood by dextrans

Ruikang K. Wang, Xiangqun Xu, James B. Elder, Valery V. Tuchin

Proceedings Volume 4965, Optical Diagnostics and Sensing in Biomedicine III; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.479191
Event: Biomedical Optics, 2003, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to investigate systematically the mechanisms of alterations in the optical properties of whole blood immersed in the biocompatible agent dextrans, and to define the optimal concentration of dextrans required for blood optical clearing in order to enhance the capability of light penetration depth for optical imaging applications. In the experiments, dextrans with different molecular weights and various concentrations were employed and investigated by the use of the optical coherence tomography technique. Changes in light attenuation, refractive index and aggregation properties of blood immersed in dextrans were studied. It was concluded from the results that the mechanisms for blood optical clearing are the characteristics of the types of dextrans employed, their concentrations, and the application stages. Among the substances applied, DX500 at a concentration at 0.5gdl^-1 gives the best result in improving light penetration depth through the blood. The increase of light transmission at the beginning of the addition of dextrans is mainly attributed to refractive index matching between the scattering centers and the ground matter. Thereafter, the transmission change is probably due to dextran-induced aggregation-disaggregation effect. Overall, light scattering in the blood could be effectively reduced by the application of dextrans. It represents a promising approach to increasing the imaging depth for in vivo optical imaging of biological tissue, for example optical coherence tomography.

Citation Download Citation

Ruikang K. Wang, Xiangqun Xu, James B. Elder, and Valery V. Tuchin "Possible mechanisms for optical clearing of whole blood by dextrans", Proc. SPIE 4965, Optical Diagnostics and Sensing in Biomedicine III, (23 July 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.479191

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