Multimodal optical spectroscopy for non-invasive subclinical skin assessment
A cutting-edge multimodal optical platform leveraging DRS, DFS, and DCS techniques to detect subclinical skin responses to surfactants, offering high sensitivity and specificity for structural, metabolic, and hemodynamic changes.
Overview
The multimodal optical spectroscopy platform offers a revolutionary non-invasive solution for assessing subclinical skin responses. By integrating three advanced optical techniques—Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Diffuse Fluorescence Spectroscopy (DFS), and Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS)—the platform provides a comprehensive irritation fingerprint. This fingerprint captures structural, metabolic, and hemodynamic dimensions, offering high sensitivity and specificity for detecting changes caused by ultra-low surfactant exposure. This innovation is particularly useful for industries involved in dermatological research, cosmetic formulation, and skin health diagnostics.
Technical specifications
Key Features:
- Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS): Quantifies blood oxygenation and volume, as well as tissue scattering, enabling detection of erythema even in pigmented skin.
- Diffuse Fluorescence Spectroscopy (DFS): Probes skin autofluorescence to identify structural and metabolic disruptions, particularly in keratin and NADH fluorescence.
- Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy (DCS): Measures microvascular perfusion changes, allowing for detailed tracking of surfactant dose-response.
These combined modalities allow for simultaneous interrogation of complementary responses, greatly enhancing discriminative power compared to single measurements. The platform is adaptable for human skin measurements and is optimized for use in controlled human studies.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 6, indicating it has been validated in a relevant environment. The platform is ready for pilot trials and further validation studies. The future validation plan includes optimizing the instrumentation, conducting controlled human studies, and establishing detection thresholds and sensitivity metrics for the combined multimodal fingerprint.
About Miami University, Ohio
Miami University is a comprehensive public research university in Oxford, Ohio, known for a strong undergraduate focus alongside applied, collaborative research. Industry engagement centers on co-ops and internships, industry-sponsored capstone design, and open maker and prototyping spaces that support rapid iteration with faculty and student teams. Proximity to Cincinnati and Dayton puts partners near Fortune 500 headquarters, advanced manufacturing suppliers, and a dense logistics network, enabling frequent site visits and efficient scale-up. Research is supported by competitive federal and state funding, including awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, and startup formation, linking companies to regional commercialization resources.
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