Multispectral imaging as a tool for melanin detection

Abstract

Multispectral imaging is becoming an increasingly useful tool in the field of histology. The ability to spectrally separate chromophores based on their differing spectra has been greatly beneficial when it comes to visualizing melanin in skin samples. Traditionally, Fontana Masson (FM) has been the gold standard for staining melanin, but with advances in technology, it is now possible to clearly detect and quantify melanin in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained samples. With this advancement, there is no need to rely on a special stain to detect melanin in samples. Melanin detection and quantitation is critical for the study of hyperpigmentation and skin lightening. This study demonstrated that multispectral imaging is more sensitive than FM and can detect and quantify melanin that is co-localized in small quantities throughout skin samples.