In vivo multiphoton tomography of skin as a tool to study the effects of topically applied probes and UV exposure

High resolution optical tomography studies on topically applied probes and UVA exposed skin were performed with the novel imaging system DermaInspect. 3D images with submicron resolution based on the two-photon excitation of the probes and the autofluorescence of epidermal cells and structures with femtosecond laser pulses in the near infrared (NIR) spectral range between 750 nm and 850 nm were obtained. The distribution of natural endogenous fluorophores, mainly keratin and NAD(P)H, as well as of the exogenous probe molecules was detected in situ. The high resolution imaging system DermaInspect offers an unique chance of in situ, non-invasive drug screening in skin on a molecular level and to study the effect of UV exposure