Open AccessDetection of malarial byproduct hemozoin utilizing its unique scattering properties
Author(s) -
Benjamin K. Wilson,
Matthew R. Behrend,
Matthew P. Horning,
Michael C. Hegg
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.012190
Subject(s) - hemozoin , optics , scattering , materials science , spectroscopy , light scattering , nuclear magnetic resonance , physics , heme , quantum mechanics , enzyme
The scattering characteristics of the malaria byproduct hemozoin, including its scattering distribution and depolarization, are modeled using Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA) and compared to those of healthy red blood cells. Scattering (or dark-field) spectroscopy and imaging are used to identify hemozoin in fresh rodent blood samples. A new detection method is proposed and demonstrated using dark-field in conjunction with cross-polarization imaging and spectroscopy. SNRs greater than 50:1 are achieved for hemozoin in fresh blood without the addition of stains or reagents. The potential of such a detection system is discussed.