Easy determination of antioxidants in skin

Thiem-Research GmbH, a research subsidiary of the Carl-Thiem-Klinikum (CTK) in Cottbus, Germany, has begun clinical testing of a novel compact Raman sensor system. It was developed at the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik in Berlin. The practical suitability of this promising technology is now being tested. So far, about 50 volunteers and patients from the 2nd Medical Clinic of the CTK Cottbus have participated. More volunteers are currently being sought for the non-invasive test.

Scientific studies have shown that the concentration of carotenoids in the skin is an indicator of a person's state of health. It can also indicate diseases and the effectiveness of therapies. This is the focus of the BMBF-funded research project at the "Innovationscampus Elektronik und Mikrosensorik Cottbus" - iCampµs Cottbus. The prototype of the sensor system to be tested is based on Raman spectroscopy, an optical technique that enables the detection of a wide range of substances. This is made possible by a spectral signature that is as typical as a fingerprint. The system is non-contact, requires only short measurement times and is suitable for the analysis of biochemical substances.

The novel spectrometer-free Raman sensor system was developed in the first phase of the iCampµs project at the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut for applications in the field of medical diagnostics and life sciences. In particular, it can be used to determine the content of carotenoids (so-called antioxidants) in the skin.

The determination of the carotenoid concentration on the skin using Raman spectroscopy could also provide important information for the diagnosis of tumor diseases. The system will also be tested in chemotherapeutic treatments as part of a study or clinical trial led by Dr. Anne Pfennig and PD Dr. Martin Schmidt-Hieber, chief physician of the 2nd Medical Clinic at the CTK Cottbus. The aim is to investigate whether the results can be used to develop more precise and individualized treatment decisions for tumor diseases. The system could also be helpful in investigating skin side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Synergy between business and science

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Source: Press release CTK & FBH: "New Raman sensor system for medical diagnostics undergoes clinical trials", 25.01.2024