Open AccessProspective ultramorphological characterization of human hair by optical coherence tomography
Author(s) -
Velasco Maria Valéria Robles,
Baby André Rolim,
Sarruf Fernanda Daud,
Kaneko Telma Mary,
Samad Ricardo Elgul,
Vieira Júnior Nilson Dias,
De Freitas Anderson Zanardi
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2009.00386.x
Subject(s) - optical coherence tomography , medulla , biomedical engineering , cuticle (hair) , materials science , computer science , medicine , anatomy , ophthalmology
Background/purpose: The continuous advancement in cosmetic science has led to an increasing demand for the development of non‐invasive, reliable scientific techniques directed toward claim substantiation, which is of utmost relevance, to obtain data regarding the efficacy and safety of cosmetic products. Methods: In this work, we used the optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique to produce in vitro transversal section‐images of human hair. We also compared the OCT signal before and after chemical treatment with an 18% w/w ammonium thioglycolate solution. Results: The mean diameter of the medulla was 29±7 μm and the hair diameter was 122±16 μm in our samples of standard Afro‐ethnic hair. A three‐dimensional (3D) image was constructed starting from 601 cross‐sectional images (slices). Each slice was taken in steps of 6.0 μm at eight frames per second, and the entire 3D image was constructed in 60 s. Conclusion: It was possible to identify, using the A‐scan protocol, the principal structures: the cuticle, cortex and medulla. After chemical treatment, it was not possible to identify the main structures of hair fiber due to index matching promoted by deleterious action of the chemical agent.