PPIX delayed and prompt fluorescence for in vivo real time imaging of hypoxic response to burns

Real-time visualization of burn severity and hypoxic response is important in understanding wound healing outcomes. Herein we propose a novel approach to macroscopically image burn induced hypoxia through endogenous PpIX delayed fluorescence. The approach is validated in-vivo using athymic nude mice with induced full-thickness burns. PpIX delayed fluorescence imaging was performed longitudinally for 3 days post injury. The localization of PpIX signals was also correlated to Indocyanine Green fluorescence imaging, a technique for blood perfusion and tissue injury in the burn wound. The current results highlight the capability of the approach for real-time in-vivo quantification of hypoxic response to burn wounds.