title: Nanoplatform-based optical contrast enhancement in epithelial tissues: quantitative analysis via Monte Carlo simulations and implications on precancer diagnostics.
abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive computational analysis of the spectral optical response of epithelial tissues labeled with gold nanoparticles. Monte Carlo modeling is employed to simulate nanoparticle-induced changes in reflectance signals and to assess whether labeling can generate sufficient exogenous contrast that can better pinpoint precancer progression. Simulation results suggest that the observed contrast profile is highly dependent on a series of factors including the labeling scheme, optical sensor geometry, and wavelength. It is evident, however, that selection of an optimal labeling and sensing strategy can lead to a significant enhancement of the inherent positive or negative contrast and can improve the diagnostic potential of optical measurements.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Research, Kemal Saracoglu Foundation for Children with Leukemia and Fight Against Cancer, Nicosia, Cyprus. dizem.arifler@kemalsaracoglu.org
authors.forename: Dizem
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Arifler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003287:Contrast Media; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology*; D006046:Gold; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry / Q000379:methods*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D006046:Gold