Optical Coherence Tomography and Angiography Image Enhancement Using Optical Clearing Agent Tartrazine.

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution, non-invasive visualization of biological tissues, enabling structural imaging and the visualization of microvascular networks. However, tissue scattering remains a significant limitation for achieving deeper imaging penetration and improved image quality. Optical clearing agents help minimize this scattering, enhancing OCT imaging capabilities. This study investigates the optical clearing effects of tartrazine, a commonly used food dye, to improve OCT and OCT angiography imaging. In ex vivo chicken breast, tartrazine solution demonstrated enhanced penetration depth and reversible optical clearing. In vivo mouse skin was evaluated using parameters such as extinction coefficient, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and vessel density. The results revealed substantial reductions in light scattering, improved imaging penetration, and enhanced visualization of vascular networks after applying tartrazine solution.