Short-Pulse Laser-Based System for Detection of Tumors: Administration of Gold Nanoparticles Enhances Contrast

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the use of gold nanoparticles, which accumulate in tumors due to the leakiness of tumor vasculature, as contrast agents for enhanced imaging in a time-resolved optical tomography system using short-pulse lasers for skin cancer detection in mouse model. It is found that intravenously administrated spherical gold nanoparticles broadened the temporal profile of reflected optical signals and enhanced the contrast between surrounding normal tissue and tumors. These results show that gold nanoparticles tuned to the wavelength of the laser can enhance the resolution and precision of laser-based cancer detection system.