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Wakamatsu K, Ito S. Recent Advances in Characterization of Melanin Pigments in Biological Samples. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098305. [PMID: 37176019 PMCID: PMC10179066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanin pigments eumelanin (EM) and pheomelanin (PM), which are dark brown to black and yellow to reddish-brown, respectively, are widely found among vertebrates. They are produced in melanocytes in the epidermis, hair follicles, the choroid, the iris, the inner ear, and other tissues. The diversity of colors in animals is mainly caused by the quantity and quality of their melanin, such as by the ratios of EM versus PM. We have developed micro-analytical methods to simultaneously measure EM and PM and used these to study the biochemical and genetic fundamentals of pigmentation. The photoreactivity of melanin has become a major focus of research because of the postulated relevance of EM and PM for the risk of UVA-induced melanoma. Our biochemical methods have found application in many clinical studies on genetic conditions associated with alterations in pigmentation. Recently, besides chemical degradative methods, other methods have been developed for the characterization of melanin, and these are also discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-192, Aichi, Japan
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2
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Zhang B, Yao T, Chen Y, Wang C, Bao Y, Wang Z, Zhao K, Ji M. Label-Free Delineation of Human Uveal Melanoma Infiltration With Pump–Probe Microscopy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:891282. [PMID: 35936703 PMCID: PMC9354715 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent primary intraocular malignancy in adults, characterized by melanin depositions in melanocytes located in the uveal tract in the eyes. Differentiation of melanin species (eumelanin and pheomelanin) is crucial in the diagnosis and management of UM, yet it remains inaccessible for conventional histology. Here, we report that femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe microscopy could provide label-free and chemical-specific detection of melanin species in human UM based on their distinct transient relaxation dynamics at the subpicosecond timescale. The method is capable of delineating the interface between melanoma and paracancerous regions on various tissue conditions, including frozen sections, paraffin sections, and fresh tissues. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing was conducted to confirm the active eumelanin synthesis in UM. Our results may hold potential for sensitive detection of tumor boundaries and biomedical research on melanin metabolism in UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Academy for Engineering and Technology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tengteng Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaxin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Academy for Engineering and Technology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuqiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyang Bao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Minbiao Ji, ; Keke Zhao, ; Zhaoyang Wang,
| | - Keke Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Minbiao Ji, ; Keke Zhao, ; Zhaoyang Wang,
| | - Minbiao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Academy for Engineering and Technology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Minbiao Ji, ; Keke Zhao, ; Zhaoyang Wang,
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3
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Pena AM, Decencière E, Brizion S, Sextius P, Koudoro S, Baldeweck T, Tancrède-Bohin E. In vivo melanin 3D quantification and z-epidermal distribution by multiphoton FLIM, phasor and Pseudo-FLIM analyses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1642. [PMID: 35102172 PMCID: PMC8803839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03114-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing melanins in situ and determining their 3D z-epidermal distribution is paramount for understanding physiological/pathological processes of melanin neosynthesis, transfer, degradation or modulation with external UV exposure or cosmetic/pharmaceutical products. Multiphoton fluorescence intensity- and lifetime-based approaches have been shown to afford melanin detection, but how can one quantify melanin in vivo in 3D from multiphoton fluorescence lifetime (FLIM) data, especially since FLIM imaging requires long image acquisition times not compatible with 3D imaging in a clinical setup? We propose an approach combining (i) multiphoton FLIM, (ii) fast image acquisition times, and (iii) a melanin detection method called Pseudo-FLIM, based on slope analysis of autofluorescence intensity decays from temporally binned data. We compare Pseudo-FLIM to FLIM bi-exponential and phasor analyses of synthetic melanin, melanocytes/keratinocytes coculture and in vivo human skin. Using parameters of global 3D epidermal melanin density and z-epidermal distribution profile, we provide first insights into the in vivo knowledge of 3D melanin modulations with constitutive pigmentation versus ethnicity, with seasonality over 1 year and with topical application of retinoic acid or retinol on human skin. Applications of Pseudo-FLIM based melanin detection encompass physiological, pathological, or environmental factors-induced pigmentation modulations up to whitening, anti-photoaging, or photoprotection products evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Pena
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, 1 Avenue Eugène Schueller, BP22, 93601, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France.
| | | | - Sébastien Brizion
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, 1 Avenue Eugène Schueller, BP22, 93601, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Peggy Sextius
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, 1 Avenue Eugène Schueller, BP22, 93601, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Serge Koudoro
- MINES ParisTech - PSL Research University, Fontainebleau, France
| | - Thérèse Baldeweck
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, 1 Avenue Eugène Schueller, BP22, 93601, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Emmanuelle Tancrède-Bohin
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Campus Charles Zviak RIO, 9 rue Pierre Dreyfus, Clichy, France
- Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
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4
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Galeb HA, Wilkinson EL, Stowell AF, Lin H, Murphy ST, Martin‐Hirsch PL, Mort RL, Taylor AM, Hardy JG. Melanins as Sustainable Resources for Advanced Biotechnological Applications. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2000102. [PMID: 33552556 PMCID: PMC7857133 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are a class of biopolymers that are widespread in nature and have diverse origins, chemical compositions, and functions. Their chemical, electrical, optical, and paramagnetic properties offer opportunities for applications in materials science, particularly for medical and technical uses. This review focuses on the application of analytical techniques to study melanins in multidisciplinary contexts with a view to their use as sustainable resources for advanced biotechnological applications, and how these may facilitate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa A. Galeb
- Department of ChemistryLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
- Department of ChemistryScience and Arts CollegeRabigh CampusKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddah21577Saudi Arabia
| | - Emma L. Wilkinson
- Department of Biomedical and Life SciencesLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YGUK
| | - Alison F. Stowell
- Department of Organisation, Work and TechnologyLancaster University Management SchoolLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YXUK
| | - Hungyen Lin
- Department of EngineeringLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YWUK
| | - Samuel T. Murphy
- Department of EngineeringLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YWUK
- Materials Science InstituteLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
| | - Pierre L. Martin‐Hirsch
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustRoyal Preston HospitalSharoe Green LanePrestonPR2 9HTUK
| | - Richard L. Mort
- Department of Biomedical and Life SciencesLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YGUK
| | - Adam M. Taylor
- Lancaster Medical SchoolLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YWUK
| | - John G. Hardy
- Department of ChemistryLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
- Materials Science InstituteLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
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5
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Yakimov BP, Shirshin EA, Schleusener J, Allenova AS, Fadeev VV, Darvin ME. Melanin distribution from the dermal-epidermal junction to the stratum corneum: non-invasive in vivo assessment by fluorescence and Raman microspectroscopy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14374. [PMID: 32873804 PMCID: PMC7463016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71220-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The fate of melanin in the epidermis is of great interest due to its involvement in numerous physiological and pathological processes in the skin. Melanin localization can be assessed ex vivo and in vivo using its distinctive optical properties. Melanin exhibits a characteristic Raman spectrum band shape and discernible near-infrared excited (NIR) fluorescence. However, a detailed analysis of the capabilities of depth-resolved confocal Raman and fluorescence microspectroscopy in the evaluation of melanin distribution in the human skin is lacking. Here we demonstrate how the fraction of melanin at different depths in the human skin in vivo can be estimated from its Raman spectra (bands at 1,380 and 1,570 cm-1) using several procedures including a simple ratiometric approach, spectral decomposition and non-negative matrix factorization. The depth profiles of matrix factorization components specific to melanin, collagen and natural moisturizing factor provide information about their localization in the skin. The depth profile of the collagen-related matrix factorization component allows for precise determination of the dermal-epidermal junction, i.e. the epidermal thickness. Spectral features of fluorescence background originating from melanin were found to correlate with relative intensities of the melanin Raman bands. We also hypothesized that NIR fluorescence in the skin is not originated solely from melanin, and the possible impact of oxidized species should be taken into account. The ratio of melanin-related Raman bands at 1,380 and 1,570 cm-1 could be related to melanin molecular organization. The proposed combined analysis of the Raman scattering signal and NIR fluorescence could be a useful tool for rapid non-invasive in vivo diagnostics of melanin-related processes in the human skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Yakimov
- Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Medical Research and Education Center, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Prospect 27/10, Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8-2, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - E A Shirshin
- Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russia, 119991.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8-2, Moscow, Russia, 119991.
- Institute of Spectroscopy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Fizicheskaya Str., 5, 108840, Troitsk, Moscow, Russia.
| | - J Schleusener
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - A S Allenova
- Medical Research and Education Center, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lomonosovsky Prospect 27/10, Moscow, Russia, 119991
- Division of Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8-2, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - V V Fadeev
- Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, Russia, 119991
| | - M E Darvin
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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6
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Jiang J, Warren WS, Fischer MC. Crossed-beam pump-probe microscopy. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:11259-11266. [PMID: 32403640 DOI: 10.1364/oe.389004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We present a new imaging method for pump-probe microscopy that explores non-collinear excitation. This method (crossed-beam pump-probe microscopy, or CBPM) can significantly improve the axial resolution when imaging through low-NA lenses, providing an alternative way for depth-resolved, large field-of-view imaging. We performed a proof-of-concept demonstration, characterized CBPM's resolution using different imaging lenses, and measured an enhanced axial resolution for certain types of low-NA lenses.
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7
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Robles FE, Deb S, Vajzovic L, Vora GK, Mruthyunjaya P, Warren WS. Analysis of Melanin Structure and Biochemical Composition in Conjunctival Melanocytic Lesions Using Pump-Probe Microscopy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:33. [PMID: 31183249 PMCID: PMC6549561 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.3.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We analyze melanin structure and biochemical composition in conjunctival melanocytic lesions using pump-probe microscopy to assess the potential for this method to assist in melanoma diagnosis. Methods Pump-probe microscopy interrogates transient excited-state photodynamic properties of absorbing molecules, which yields highly specific molecular information with subcellular spatial resolution. This method is applied to analyze melanin in 39 unstained, thin biopsy specimens of melanocytic conjunctival lesions. Quantitative features of the biochemical composition and structure of melanin in histopathologic specimens are assessed using a geometric representation of principal component analysis (PCA) and principles of mathematical morphology. Diagnostic power is determined using a feature selection algorithm combined with cross validation. Results Conjunctival melanomas show higher biochemical heterogeneity and different overall biochemical composition than primary acquired melanosis of the conjunctiva (PAM) without severe atypia. The molecular signatures of PAMs with severe atypia more closely resemble melanomas than other types of PAMs. Pigment organization in the tissue becomes more disorganized as diagnosis of the lesions worsen, but nevi are more inconsistent biochemically and structurally than other lesions. Relatively high sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) is achieved for differentiating between various melanocytic lesions, particularly PAMs without severe atypia and melanomas (SE = 89%; SP = 87%). Conclusions Pump-probe microscopy is a powerful tool that can identify quantitative, phenotypic differences between various types of conjunctival melanocytic lesions. Translational Relevance This study further validates the use of pump-probe microscopy as a potential diagnostic aid for histopathologic evaluation of conjunctival melanocytic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco E Robles
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sanghamitra Deb
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lejla Vajzovic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gargi K Vora
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Prithvi Mruthyunjaya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Warren S Warren
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke University, Departments of Physics, Durham, NC, USA
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8
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Ju KY, Degan S, Fischer MC, Zhou KC, Jia X, Yu J, Warren WS. Unraveling the molecular nature of melanin changes in metastatic cancer. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2019; 24:1-13. [PMID: 30977334 PMCID: PMC6460485 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.24.5.051414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
More people die from melanoma after a stage I diagnosis than after a stage IV diagnosis, because the tools available to clinicians do not readily identify which early-stage cancers will be aggressive. Near-infrared pump-probe microscopy detects fundamental differences in melanin structure between benign human moles and melanoma and also correlates with metastatic potential. However, the biological mechanisms of these changes have been difficult to quantify, as many different mechanisms can contribute to the pump-probe signal. We use model systems (sepia, squid, and synthetic eumelanin), cellular uptake studies, and a range of pump and probe wavelengths to demonstrate that the clinically observed effects come from alterations of the aggregated mode from "thick oligomer stacks" to "thin oligomer stacks" (due to changes in monomer composition) and (predominantly) deaggregation of the assembled melanin structure. This provides the opportunity to use pump-probe microscopy for the detection and study of melanin-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuk-Youn Ju
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Simone Degan
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Duke University, Department of Radiology, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Martin C. Fischer
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Duke University, Department of Physics, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kevin C. Zhou
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Xiaomeng Jia
- Duke University, Department of Physics, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Jin Yu
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Warren S. Warren
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Duke University, Department of Radiology, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Duke University, Department of Physics, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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9
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Beane G, Devkota T, Brown BS, Hartland GV. Ultrafast measurements of the dynamics of single nanostructures: a review. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2019; 82:016401. [PMID: 30485256 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/aaea4b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The ability to study single particles has revolutionized nanoscience. The advantage of single particle spectroscopy measurements compared to conventional ensemble studies is that they remove averaging effects from the different sizes and shapes that are present in the samples. In time-resolved experiments this is important for unraveling homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening effects in lifetime measurements. In this report, recent progress in the development of ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopic techniques for interrogating single nanostructures will be discussed. The techniques include far-field experiments that utilize high numerical aperture (NA) microscope objectives, near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) measurements, ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM), and time-resolved x-ray diffraction experiments. Examples will be given of the application of these techniques to studying energy relaxation processes in nanoparticles, and the motion of plasmons, excitons and/or charge carriers in different types of nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Beane
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States of America
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Ju KY, Fischer MC, Warren WS. Understanding the Role of Aggregation in the Broad Absorption Bands of Eumelanin. ACS NANO 2018; 12:12050-12061. [PMID: 30500158 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b04905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we investigate the relationship between the complex hierarchical assembly structure of eumelanin, its characteristic broad absorption band, and the highly unusual nonlinear dynamics revealed by pump-probe or transient absorption microscopy. Melanin-like nanoparticles (MelNPs), generated by spontaneous oxidation of dopamine, were created with uniform but adjustable size distributions, and kinetically controlled oxidation was probed with a wide range of characterization methods. This lets us explore the broad absorption bands of eumelanin models at different assembly levels, such as small subunit fractions (single monomeric and oligomeric units and small oligomer stacks), stacked oligomer fractions (protomolecules), and large-scale aggregates of protomolecules (parental particles). Both the absorption and pump-probe dynamics are very sensitive to these structural differences or to the size of intact particles (a surprising result for an organic polymer). We show that the geometric packing order of protomolecules in long-range aggregation is key secondary interactions to extend the absorption band of eumelanin to the low energy spectrum and produce drastic changes in the transient absorption spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuk-Youn Ju
- Department of Chemistry , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Martin C Fischer
- Department of Chemistry , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
- Department of Physics , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Warren S Warren
- Department of Chemistry , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
- Department of Physics , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
- Department of Radiology , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27710 , United States
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11
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Wilson JW, Robles FE, Deb S, Warren WS, Fischer MC. Comparison of pump-probe and hyperspectral imaging in unstained histology sections of pigmented lesions. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 8:3882-3890. [PMID: 28856057 PMCID: PMC5560848 DOI: 10.1364/boe.8.003882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microscopic variations in melanin composition can be mapped through linear and nonlinear optical responses. Though instrumentation to measure linear attenuation is simple and inexpensive, the nonlinear response provides more degrees of freedom with which to spectroscopically resolve pigments. The objective of this study is to assess differences in imaging melanin contrast by comparing hyperspectral (linear) versus pump-probe (nonlinear) microscopy of unstained histology sections of pigmented lesions. The images and analysis we have presented here show that pump-probe uncovers a greater variation in pigment composition, compared with hyperspectral microscopy, and that the two methods yield complimentary biochemical information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse W. Wilson
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Currently with Colorado State University, Department of Electrical Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Francisco E. Robles
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Currently with Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Sanghamitra Deb
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Currently with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Warren S. Warren
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Duke University, Departments of Physics, Biomedical Engineering, and Radiology, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Martin C. Fischer
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Duke University, Departments of Physics, Biomedical Engineering, and Radiology, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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12
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Label-Free Imaging of Female Genital Tract Melanocytic Lesions With Pump-Probe Microscopy: A Promising Diagnostic Tool. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2017; 21:137-144. [PMID: 28157824 PMCID: PMC5365357 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We analyze vulvar melanomas using an emerging optical molecular imaging technique called pump-probe microscopy. The method may improve the diagnosis and staging of vulvar melanomas. Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objectives Melanomas of the female genital tract present a unique clinical challenge. Not only are these lesions in an anatomically sensitive area, but also they tend to be multifocal and have high recurrence rates. Furthermore, several benign melanocytic proliferations resemble early-stage melanoma clinically and/or histopathologically. Thus, there is a significant need for additional tools that can help correctly diagnose and stage these lesions. Here, we quantitatively and nondestructively analyze the chemical composition of melanin in excised pigmented lesions of the female genital tract using pump-probe microscopy, a high-resolution optical imaging technique that is sensitive to many biochemical properties of melanin. Materials and Methods Thirty-one thin (~5 μm) tissue sections previously excised from female genital tract melanocytic lesions were imaged with pump-probe microscopy and analyzed. Results We find significant quantitative differences in melanin type and structure between melanoma and nonmalignant melanocytic proliferations. Our analysis also suggests a link between the molecular signatures of melanins and lesion-specific genetic mutations. Finally, significant differences are found between metastatic and nonmetastatic melanomas. The limitations of this work include the fact that molecular information is restricted to melanin pigment and the sample size is relatively small. Conclusions Pump-probe microscopy provides unique information regarding the biochemical composition of genital tract melanocytic lesions, which can be used to improve the diagnosis and staging of vulvar melanomas.
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Pastore MN, Studier H, Bonder CS, Roberts MS. Non-invasive metabolic imaging of melanoma progression. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:607-614. [PMID: 27992081 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Skin cancer is associated with abnormal cellular metabolism which if identified early introduces the possibility of intervention to prevent its progress to a deadly metastatic stage. This study combines multiphoton microscopy with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) using a syngeneic melanoma mouse model, to detect changes in metabolic state of single epidermal cells as a metabolic marker to monitor the progress of tumor growth. This method utilizes imaging of the ratio of the amounts of the free and protein-bound forms of the intracellular autofluorescent metabolic co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Here, we investigate the impact of the primary tumor lesion on the epidermal layers at three different growth stages of melanoma lesion compared to normal skin as a control. We showed a significant increase in the free-to-bound NADH ratio with the growth of the solid melanoma tumor, while concurrently the short and the long lifetime components of NADH remained constant. These results demonstrate the ability of FLIM for rapid, non-invasive and sensitive assessment of melanoma progression revealing its potential as a diagnostic tool for melanoma detection and as an aid for melanoma staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Pastore
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hauke Studier
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Claudine S Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael S Roberts
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Therapeutics Research Centre, School of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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14
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Wang H, Osseiran S, Igras V, Nichols AJ, Roider EM, Pruessner J, Tsao H, Fisher DE, Evans CL. In vivo coherent Raman imaging of the melanomagenesis-associated pigment pheomelanin. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37986. [PMID: 27892516 PMCID: PMC5125099 DOI: 10.1038/srep37986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer with a yearly global incidence over 232,000 patients. Individuals with fair skin and red hair exhibit the highest risk for developing melanoma, with evidence suggesting the red/blond pigment known as pheomelanin may elevate melanoma risk through both UV radiation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Although the ability to identify, characterize, and monitor pheomelanin within skin is vital for improving our understanding of the underlying biology of these lesions, no tools exist for real-time, in vivo detection of the pigment. Here we show that the distribution of pheomelanin in cells and tissues can be visually characterized non-destructively and noninvasively in vivo with coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy, a label-free vibrational imaging technique. We validated our CARS imaging strategy in vitro to in vivo with synthetic pheomelanin, isolated melanocytes, and the Mc1re/e, red-haired mouse model. Nests of pheomelanotic melanocytes were observed in the red-haired animals, but not in the genetically matched Mc1re/e; Tyrc/c ("albino-red-haired") mice. Importantly, samples from human amelanotic melanomas subjected to CARS imaging exhibited strong pheomelanotic signals. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that pheomelanin has been visualized and spatially localized in melanocytes, skin, and human amelanotic melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hequn Wang
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Sam Osseiran
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue E25-519, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Vivien Igras
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Alexander J Nichols
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue E25-519, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Harvard University Program in Biophysics, Building C2 Room 112, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Elisabeth M Roider
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Joachim Pruessner
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Hensin Tsao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - David E Fisher
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Conor L Evans
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA.,Harvard University Program in Biophysics, Building C2 Room 112, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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15
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Thompson A, Robles FE, Wilson JW, Deb S, Calderbank R, Warren WS. Dual-wavelength pump-probe microscopy analysis of melanin composition. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36871. [PMID: 27833147 PMCID: PMC5104978 DOI: 10.1038/srep36871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pump-probe microscopy is an emerging technique that provides detailed chemical information of absorbers with sub-micrometer spatial resolution. Recent work has shown that the pump-probe signals from melanin in human skin cancers correlate well with clinical concern, but it has been difficult to infer the molecular origins of these differences. Here we develop a mathematical framework to describe the pump-probe dynamics of melanin in human pigmented tissue samples, which treats the ensemble of individual chromophores that make up melanin as Gaussian absorbers with bandwidth related via Frenkel excitons. Thus, observed signals result from an interplay between the spectral bandwidths of the individual underlying chromophores and spectral proximity of the pump and probe wavelengths. The model is tested using a dual-wavelength pump-probe approach and a novel signal processing method based on gnomonic projections. Results show signals can be described by a single linear transition path with different rates of progress for different individual pump-probe wavelength pairs. Moreover, the combined dual-wavelength data shows a nonlinear transition that supports our mathematical framework and the excitonic model to describe the optical properties of melanin. The novel gnomonic projection analysis can also be an attractive generic tool for analyzing mixing paths in biomolecular and analytical chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Thompson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | | | - Jesse W. Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Sanghamitra Deb
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Robert Calderbank
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Warren S. Warren
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
- Department of Physics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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16
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Doughty B, Simpson MJ, Yang B, Xiao K, Ma YZ. Simplification of femtosecond transient absorption microscopy data from CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite thin films into decay associated amplitude maps. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 27:114002. [PMID: 27308671 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/11/114002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to simplify multi-dimensional femtosecond transient absorption microscopy (TAM) data into decay associated amplitude maps (DAAMs) that describe the spatial distributions of dynamical processes occurring on various characteristic timescales. Application of this method to TAM data obtained from a model methyl-ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite thin film allows us to simplify the data set comprising 68 time-resolved images into four DAAMs. These maps offer a simple means to visualize the complex electronic excited-state dynamics in this system by separating distinct dynamical processes evolving on characteristic timescales into individual spatial images. This approach provides new insight into subtle aspects of ultrafast relaxation dynamics associated with excitons and charge carriers in the perovskite thin film, which have recently been found to coexist at spatially distinct locations.
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17
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Fischer MC, Wilson JW, Robles FE, Warren WS. Invited Review Article: Pump-probe microscopy. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:031101. [PMID: 27036751 PMCID: PMC4798998 DOI: 10.1063/1.4943211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Multiphoton microscopy has rapidly gained popularity in biomedical imaging and materials science because of its ability to provide three-dimensional images at high spatial and temporal resolution even in optically scattering environments. Currently the majority of commercial and home-built devices are based on two-photon fluorescence and harmonic generation contrast. These two contrast mechanisms are relatively easy to measure but can access only a limited range of endogenous targets. Recent developments in fast laser pulse generation, pulse shaping, and detection technology have made accessible a wide range of optical contrasts that utilize multiple pulses of different colors. Molecular excitation with multiple pulses offers a large number of adjustable parameters. For example, in two-pulse pump-probe microscopy, one can vary the wavelength of each excitation pulse, the detection wavelength, the timing between the excitation pulses, and the detection gating window after excitation. Such a large parameter space can provide much greater molecular specificity than existing single-color techniques and allow for structural and functional imaging without the need for exogenous dyes and labels, which might interfere with the system under study. In this review, we provide a tutorial overview, covering principles of pump-probe microscopy and experimental setup, challenges associated with signal detection and data processing, and an overview of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Fischer
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jesse W Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Francisco E Robles
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Warren S Warren
- Departments of Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, and Radiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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18
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Wilson JW, Park JK, Warren WS, Fischer MC. Flexible digital signal processing architecture for narrowband and spread-spectrum lock-in detection in multiphoton microscopy and time-resolved spectroscopy. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2015; 86:033707. [PMID: 25832238 PMCID: PMC4385102 DOI: 10.1063/1.4916261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The lock-in amplifier is a critical component in many different types of experiments, because of its ability to reduce spurious or environmental noise components by restricting detection to a single frequency and phase. One example application is pump-probe microscopy, a multiphoton technique that leverages excited-state dynamics for imaging contrast. With this application in mind, we present here the design and implementation of a high-speed lock-in amplifier on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) coprocessor of a data acquisition board. The most important advantage is the inherent ability to filter signals based on more complex modulation patterns. As an example, we use the flexibility of the FPGA approach to enable a novel pump-probe detection scheme based on spread-spectrum communications techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse W Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jong Kang Park
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Warren S Warren
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Martin C Fischer
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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