Detectability of reflectance and fluorescent contrast agents for real-time in vivo confocal microscopy

Abstract

Reflectance agents (liposomes, polystyrene microparticles, aluminum chloride salts, acetic acid) and fluorescent agents (polymer- and cosmetic actives-tagged fluorescein and rhodamine compounds, green fluorescent protein) enhance contrast of real-time confocal images of skin and microcirculation in vivo. Quantitative analysis of signal detectability versus contrast agent properties, and experimental images are presented. These results provide a basis for optimizing confocal microscope design and imaging parameters for real-time in vivo applications.