Broadband diffuse optical characterization of elastin for biomedical applications

Elastin is a key structural protein of dynamic connective tissues widely found in the extracellular matrix of skin, arteries, lungs and ligaments. It is responsible for a range of diseases related to aging of biological tissues. The optical characterization of elastin can open new opportunities for its investigation in biomedical studies. In this work, we present the absorption spectra of elastin using a broadband (550–1350nm) diffuse optical spectrometer. Distortions caused by fluorescence and finite bandwidth of the laser source on estimated absorption were effectively accounted for in measurements and data analysis and compensated. A comprehensive summary and comparison between collagen and elastin is presented, highlighting distinct features for its accurate quantification in biological applications. [Display omitted] •Broadband 550–1350nm optical characterization of elastin was presented.•Absorption was accurately estimated by effectively eliminating the contamination of scattering and fluorescence by optimal use of time domain diffuse optical spectroscopy, bandpass filters and diffusion models.•A brief comparison between collagen and elastin was presented, highlighting similarities and key regions to distinguish.