Raman spectroscopic identification of size-selected airborne particles for quantitative exposure assessment

In this paper we present a method for the quantification of chemically distinguished airborne particulate matter, required for health risk assessment. Rather than simply detecting chemical compounds in a sample, we demonstrate an approach for the quantification of exposure to airborne particles and nanomaterials. In line with increasing concerns over the proliferation of engineered particles we consider detection of synthetically produced ZnO crystals. A multi-stage approach is presented whereby the particles are first aerodynamically size segregated from a lab-generated single component aerosol in an impaction sampler. These size fractionated samples are subsequently analysed by Raman spectroscopy. Imaging analysis is applied to Raman spatial maps to provide chemically specific quantification of airborne exposure against background which is critical for health risk evaluation of exposure to airborne particles. Here we present a first proof-of-concept study of the methodology utilising particles in the 2-4 μm aerodynamic diameter range to allow for validation of the approach by comparison to optical microscopy. The results show that the combination of these techniques provides independent size and chemical discrimination of particles. Thereby a method is provided to allow quantitative and chemically distinguished measurements of aerosol concentrations separated into exposure relevant size fractions. © 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd

Employing the phase in master slave interferometry

In this paper, we extend the master slave (MS) method, so far applied to the modulus of the spectra acquired in spectral domain interferometry, to processing complex spectra. We present the algorithm of complex master slave interferometry (CMSI) method and illustrate the importance of phase processing for signal stability and strength. We demonstrate better stability of the signal driving a direct en-face OCT image by processing both real part and imaginary part of the CMS signal. Then we show that by processing the phase, novel avenues can be opened for the master slave method. A first avenue detailed here is that of dispersion measurements

A combination of imaging techniques for dental medicine: from X-rays radiography and 3D CBCT to OCT

The assessment of dental issues is done nowadays both clinically and radiologically. The latter includes radiographs that are based on X-ray radiation, i.e. intraoral radiography, panoramic radiography, and three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In several cases, radiographs have limitations, as they do not reveal dental issues such as small cavities, enamel cracks, or tooth erosion. These aspects can be visible with another medical imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The aim of this study is to present a few results obtained with an in-house developed swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) system on several dental issues that cannot be visible on radiographs. These results prove that OCT can be utilized in dentistry, with advantages such as radiation free technique and superior resolution. This study presents both radiography and OCT images for different dental issues which include small cavities, metal crowns cracks, or crowns manufactured with different materials (i.e., zirconia, ceramics, or composite). Firstly, samples have been analyzed radiologically and some abnormalities could be detected, but they could be correctly assessed. Secondly, these abnormalities have been analyzed with the SS-OCT system and finally all images and collected data from both medical imaging techniques have been compared. One of the conclusions is that OCT is more appropriate than radiography for several dental issues such as those presented in this study. These two medical imaging techniques can therefore be complementary in dental medicine

Speeding up master slave optical coherence tomography by matrix manipulation

This paper presents the last leg of the evolution of the Master Slave (MS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, towards complex master slave (CMS), where phase information is also delivered. We will show how matrix manipulation of signals can lead to real time display. We have demonstrated that this can be executed on central processing units (CPU)s with no need for graphic processing units (GPU)s, yielding simultaneous display of multiple en-face OCT images (C-scans), two cross-section OCT images (B-scans) and an aggregated image, equivalent to a scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) image when imaging the retina, which is similar to a confocal microscopy image. The same protocol can obviously be applied employing GPUs when using faster acquisition engines, such as multi MHz swept optical sources

Nanoparticle-infused-biodegradable-microneedles as drug-delivery systems: preparation and characterisation

For almost two decades, scientists were exploring the use of nanoparticles as drug vesicles capable of protecting their cargo and deliver it to the target site while evading detection by the body. However, their translation to clinical use has been slower than expected. To a large degree, this is due to the difficulty to formulate the nanomaterial into a usable form, in which they retain their unique, size-dependent properties without aggregating into a bulk material. In this work, we describe a simple methodology for synthesising novel biodegradable microneedle systems infused with silica nanoparticles (SiNP). SiNP were doped with small library of model anti-cancer drugs or drug surrogates before being characterised and encapsulated into biodegradable microneedles. Detailed preparation and characterisation methods for both the nanoparticles and the microneedles-infused with nanoparticles is presented here. We demonstrated the distribution of the nanoparticles within the microneedle matrix in a uniform, un-aggregated form, which enabled the release of the nanoparticles in a sustained manner. Formulating nanomaterial into biodegradable, hydrogel-like microneedles showed to be effective in preserving their colloidal properties, whilst simultaneously enabling the transdermal delivery of the nanomaterial into the body. Although the concepts of nanoparticles and biodegradable microneedles have been researched individually, the combination of the two, to the best of our knowledge, offers a new pathway to nanomedicine-related applications

New ways of combating demineralization: link between classic and allopathic medicine

Prevention and allopathic medicine gained attention, since it is possible for dentists to prevent demineralization, using plants and natural substances with well-known efficacy. The purpose of this study was to present new methods for teeth remineralization. It was made a selection of 10 extracted teeth, maintained in physiological serum, with no color fading, decay or demineralization. It was induced demineralization, with ortho-phosphoric acid (concentration 45 %), for one minute. The probes were visually and with optical coherence tomography (OCT) inspected. The natural product and the bonding with additional nanoparticles of argent were created and applied on the demineralization zone of the both groups of teeth. Each tooth in the first group had one plain surface demineralized. The second group of teeth had a cavity prepared on one of each tooth’s side. The pastes were applied on the demineralized surfaces and in the demineralized cavities for two minutes. After time expired, the pasta applied on the first group of teeth was washed away; the bonding above the second group of teeth was light cured. The probes were again visually and with OCT inspected. It was observed an improvement in remineralizing the white marks on plain surfaces and in the created cavities, the OCT being able to detect different levels of remineralization. The efficacy of natural pasta depends on the time it is applied and the concentration of the different main substances. Also, the type of surface, plain or occlusal facets, may influence the substances’ penetration ability. The non-invasive specific feature of these products, low costs and safety are strong positive aspects of this method of remineralization. However, the natural process of remineralization is a long-lasting one; perfecting the main substances in order to accelerate the process, in addition to several in vivo studies would be necessary to be fulfilled

Nanomedicines and microneedles: a guide to their analysis and application

The fast-advancing progress in the research of nanomedicine and microneedles application in the past two decades have suggested that the combination of the two concepts could help to overcome some of the challenges we are facing in healthcare. These include poor patient compliance with medication and the lack of appropriate administration forms that enable the optimal dose to reach the target site. Nanoparticles as drug vesicles can protect their cargo and deliver it to the target site, while evading the body’s defence mechanisms. Unfortunately, despite intense research on nanomedicine in the past 20 years, we still haven’t answered some crucial questions, e.g. about their colloidal stability in solution and their optimal formulation, which makes the translation of this exciting technology from lab bench to a viable product difficult. Dissolvable microneedles could be an effective way to maintain and stabilise nano-sized formulations, whilst enhancing the ability of nanoparticles to penetrate the stratum corneum barrier. Both concepts have been individually investigated fairly well and many analytical techniques for tracking the fate of the nanomaterial with their precious cargo, both in vitro and in vivo, have been established. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive overview of the analytical tools encompassing the concepts of microneedles and nanoparticles with specific and successful examples is missing. In this review, we have attempted to briefly analyse the challenges associated with nanomedicine itself but crucially, we provide an easy-to-navigate scheme of methods, suitable for characterisation and imaging the physico-chemical properties of the material matrix

Speckle variance OCT for depth resolved assessment of the viability of bovine embryos

The morphology of embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) is commonly used to estimate their viability. However, imaging by standard microscopy is subjective and unable to assess the embryo on a cellular scale after compaction. Optical coherence tomography is an imaging technique that can produce a depth-resolved profile of a sample and can be coupled with speckle variance (SV) to detect motion on a micron scale. In this study, day 7 post-IVF bovine embryos were observed either short-term (10 minutes) or longterm (over 18 hours) and analyzed by swept source OCT and SV to resolve their depth profile and characterize micron-scale movements potentially associated with viability. The percentage of en face images showing movement at any given time was calculated as a method to detect the vital status of the embryo. This method could be used to measure the levels of damage sustained by an embryo, for example after cryopreservation, in a rapid and non-invasive way

Multidimensional en-face OCT imaging of the retina.

Fast T-scanning (transverse scanning, en-face) was used to build B-scan or C-scan optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the retina. Several unique signature patterns of en-face (coronal) are reviewed in conjunction with associated confocal images of the fundus and B-scan OCT images. Benefits in combining T-scan OCT with confocal imaging to generate pairs of OCT and confocal images similar to those generated by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) are discussed in comparison with the spectral OCT systems. The multichannel potential of the OCT/SLO system is demonstrated with the addition of a third hardware channel which acquires and generates indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence images. The OCT, confocal SLO and ICG fluorescence images are simultaneously presented in a two or a three screen format. A fourth channel which displays a live mix of frames of the ICG sequence superimposed on the corresponding coronal OCT slices for immediate multidimensional comparison, is also included. OSA ISP software is employed to illustrate the synergy between the simultaneously provided perspectives. This synergy promotes interpretation of information by enhancing diagnostic comparisons and facilitates internal correction of movement artifacts within C-scan and B-scan OCT images using information provided by the SLO channel

Optical mapping apparatus with adjustable depth resolution and multiple functionality

WO 2004002298 A1 The present invention relates to a multiple channel optical mapping apparatus which can deliver one or simultaneously at least two images of different depth resolutions or sequentially, images with different depth resolutions, or a combination of these images, or a single image with adjustable depth resolution. The multiple channels could be either multiple confocal channel and one or two optical coherence tomography channel, or two optical coherence tomogrraphy channels, or two confocal channels. The channels, either OCT or confocal can operate on the same wavelength or on different wavelengths. The apparatus can display both transversal as well as longitudinal images in an object, particularly the eye