Novel flexible light diffuser and irradiation properties for photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Many current light diffusers for photodynamic therapy are inflexible, and the applied light dose is difficult to adjust during treatment, especially on complex body surfaces. A thin and flexible luminous textile is developed using plastic optical fibers as a light distributor. The textile diffuser is evaluated for flexibility, irradiance, brightness distribution, and temperature rise with a 652-nm laser set to 100 mW. The bending force of the textile diffuser resembles a defined optical film. On the textile surface, an average output power of 3.6+/-0.6 mWcm(2) is measured, corresponding to a transmission rate of 40+/-3.8% on an area of 11 cm(2). Aluminum backing enhances the irradiance to the face (treatment side). The measured brightness distribution seems to lie within a range similar to other photodynamic therapy (PDT) devices. A power setting of 100 mW increases the temperature of the textile diffuser surface of up to 27 degrees C, and 1 W raises the temperature above 40 degrees C. Results confirm that the flexible textile diffuser supplies suitable radiation for low fluence rate photodynamic therapy on an area of several cm(2).

Light emitting fabric technologies for photodynamic therapy

“…Single spots, lines, curves, Zigzag can be stitched onto many substrate materials e.g., textile, nonwoven, membrane, film, paper. This technique was evaluated by Selm et al [12]. They have developed a LEF prototype based on a woven structure as a substrate with embroidered POF.…”

Optical fibers for smart photonic textiles

“…© Woodhead Publishing Limited, 2013 TIR optical fi bers modifi ed to emit light sideways (Spigulis et al , 1997) have been used to produce emissive fashion items (Lumigram), as well as backlighting panels for medical and industrial applications (Selem et al , 2007;Lumitex). To implement such emissive textiles, common silica (Spigulis et al , 1997) or plastic (Harlin et al , 2003) optical fi bers are used, in which light extraction is achieved through corrugation of the fi ber surface or fi ber microbending.…”

Three-dimensional illumination procedure for photodynamic therapy of dermatology

“…Several types of light diffusers have been developed for topical use or for application in body cavities. [14][15][16][17][18] Despite their wide applications, diffusers exhibit limited abilities to adjust for complex surfaces.…”