Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore have developed a compact and cost-effective photoacoustic (PA) sensing instrument, marking a significant advancement in biomedical diagnostics. Published in the Journal of Biomedical Optics, the study introduces a low-cost diode laser system aimed at improving tissue diagnosis, particularly in the context of breast diseases. PA imaging, a non-invasive technique that generates acoustic waves to analyze tissue properties, has shown promise in clinical applications but was previously hindered by the high cost and size of laser sources. The new device, designed for easy integration in clinical settings, uses multiple laser diodes to generate 25-nanosecond pulses at 20 kHz, allowing precise tissue analysis.
The study specifically addresses fibrocystic changes in breast tissue, which often mimic breast cancer symptoms but are difficult to differentiate with traditional methods like ultrasound and mammography. By analyzing the frequency spectra of the PA signals, the team was able to distinguish between normal and diseased breast tissues. Fibrocystic tissue exhibited a frequency peak of 1.60 MHz, indicative of increased tissue density, while normal tissue had a lower peak at 0.26 MHz. Histopathological results validated these findings, demonstrating the accuracy of the PA technique in assessing tissue composition.
This innovation offers a faster, more accurate, and less invasive alternative to current diagnostic methods, with potential to improve the early detection of breast diseases. The study highlights the promise of the compact PA sensing device in enhancing diagnostic precision, reducing the need for invasive procedures, and providing clinicians with a cost-effective tool for more reliable tissue characterization, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
