Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE: The multispectral imaging-based tissue oxygen saturation detecting (TOSD) system offers deeper penetration ( ∼ 2 to 3 mm) and comprehensive tissue oxygen saturation ( StO2 ) assessment and recognizes the wound healing phase at a low cost and computational requirement. The potential for miniaturization and integration of TOSD into telemedicine platforms could revolutionize wound care in the challenging pandemic era. AIM: We aim to validate TOSD's application in detecting StO2 by comparing it with wound closure rates and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), demonstrating TOSD's ability to recognize the wound healing process. APPROACH: Utilizing a murine model, we compared TOSD with digital photography and LSCI for comprehensive wound observation in five mice with 6-mm back wounds. Sequential biochemical analysis of wound discharge was investigated for the translational relevance of TOSD. RESULTS: TOSD demonstrated constant signals on unwounded skin with differential changes on open wounds. Compared with LSCI, TOSD provides indicative recognition of the proliferative phase during wound healing, with a higher correlation coefficient to wound closure rate (TOSD: 0.58; LSCI: 0.44). StO2 detected by TOSD was further correlated with proliferative phase angiogenesis markers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest TOSD's enhanced utility in wound management protocols, evaluating clinical staging and therapeutic outcomes. By offering a noncontact, convenient monitoring tool, TOSD can be applied to telemedicine, aiming to advance wound care and regeneration, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic wounds.