We report a new application of the recently developed technique, Optical Coherence Elastography (OCE) to quantitatively visualize kinetics of osmotic strains due to diffusive penetration of various osmotically active solutions into biological tissues. The magnitude of osmotic strains may range from fractions of one per cent to tens per cent. The visualized spatio-tempotal dynamics of the strains reflect the rates of osmotic dehydration and diffusional penetration of the active solute, which can be controlled by concentration of the solution components. Main features of the OCE-visualized diffusion-front dynamics well agree with Fick’s theory yielding diffusivity coefficients consistent with the literature data. The OCE technique may be used to study diffusion of a broad variety of osmotically-active substances − drugs, cosmetic agents, preservative solutions, so-called optical clearing agents enhancing the depth of optical visualization, etc. The corresponding experimental examples, some results of theoretical interpretations and numerical simulations are given.

中文翻译：

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使用基于 OCT 的应变成像可视化组织中扩散渗透的动力学


我们报道了最近开发的技术光学相干弹性成像 （OCE） 的新应用，用于定量可视化由于各种渗透活性溶液扩散渗透到生物组织中的渗透应变的动力学。渗透应变的程度可能从 1% 到 10% 不等。应变的可视化时空动力学反映了活性溶质的渗透脱水和扩散渗透速率，这可以通过溶液组分的浓度来控制。OCE 可视化扩散前沿动力学的主要特征与 Fick 的理论非常吻合，产生的扩散系数与文献数据一致。OCE 技术可用于研究各种渗透活性物质的扩散 - 药物、化妆品剂、防腐剂溶液、增强光学可视化深度的所谓光学透明剂等。给出了相应的实验实例、一些理论解释和数值模拟的结果。