Characterization of fibrillar collagen types using multi‐dimensional multiphoton laser scanning microscopy

In dermal photodamage the ratio of the collagen types III to I changes. This makes the investigation of the fibrillar collagen type characteristics interesting for skin research. In this study collagen types were characterized using 5-dimensional multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (5D-IVT) that can be applied in vivo. Second harmonic generation (SHG) signals and fluorescence lifetimes of the collagen autofluorescence were analysed. Collagen type I generates a higher SHG intensity and a longer fluorescence lifetime compared to collagen type III. Thus, the SHG intensity decrease found in photodamaged skin might be explained by the increase in collagen type III. Calculating the in vivo relevant increase of collagen type III gives a negligible difference in fluorescence lifetime not qualifying this method for the determination of collagen type changes in dermal photodamage in vivo in human skin. However, for pathologies that exhibit higher differences in collagen types 5D-IVT analysis might be a suitable method.