Similar to the green fluorescence protein (GFP) that exhibits bright green fluorescence when exposed to blue light in jellyfish, numerous publications [Ref.] in the public domain have established the similar fluorescence in human soft tissue when excited under violet-blue wavelength light.
Fluorescence from jellyfish is easy to see due to its high quantum efficiency of close to 80% meaning 80% of the excitation light could be converted to the fluorescence emission. However, fluorescence from human soft tissue is much more difficult to observe due to not only lower quantum yield but also broader fluorescence emission.
DentLight is one of a few companies that achieved such feat in its capability to image soft tissue fluorescence with high resolution and high contrast. The patent-pending DOE design implements the most advanced technology in LED optics for long-range illumination to the back of the throat and high contrast fluorescence optical filters to maximize emission image contrast while suppressing both room and excitation light.Together with its award-winning modular design, DOE delivers to our customers the portable and reliable solutions for complete oral exam.
References:
1) De Veld DCG et al: The status of in vivo autofluorescence spectroscopy and imaging for oral oncology. Oral Oncol. 2005 Feb; 41(2): 117-31
2) Svistun E et al: Vision enhancement system for detection of oral cavity neoplasia based on autofluorescence. Head Neck. 2004 Mar; 26(3): 205-15
3) Utzinger U et al: Optimal visual perception and detection of oral cavity neoplasia. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2003 Mar; 50(3): 396-9
4) Heintzelman DL et al: Optimal excitation wavelengths for in vivo detection of oral neoplasia using fluorescence spectroscopy. Photochem Photobiol 2000; (72)1: 103–113
5) Betz CS et al: Autofluorescence imaging and spectroscopy of normal and malignant mucosa in patients with head and neck cancer. Lasers Surg Med. 1999; 25(4): 323-34
6) Ingrams DR et al: Autofluorescence characteristics of oral mucosa. Head Neck 1997; (19)1: 27–32
7) Onizawa K et al: Fluorescence photography as a diagnostic method for oral cancer. Cancer Lett 1996; 108(1): 61–66
