Exploring MPM-FLIM for diagnostics of porokeratosis – a pilot study <i>ex vivo</i>

Non-invasive diagnostic methods are essential for early detection and monitoring of skin diseases. This study evaluates multiphoton microscopy with fluorescence lifetime imaging (MPM-FLIM) as a diagnostic tool for porokeratosis. Skin biopsies were analysed using MPM-FLIM at 780 nm excitation wavelength targeting NADH and keratin fluorescence. Key morphological features were identified, such as the presence of cornoid lamella, confirmed by histopathology. Notably, keratin fluorescence (∼1500 ps) was found to dominate in porokeratotic samples, compared to NADH (∼450 ps) in normal skin. These findings support the potential of MPM-FLIM as a valuable diagnostic and research tool for rare skin disorders like porokeratosis.