Opto-thermal radiometry for in-vivo nail measurements

We have developed a new method for in-vivo human nail characterization by using opto-thermal transient emission radiometry (OTTER) and condenser-chamber TEWL (trans-dermal water loss) method - AquaFlux. With OTTER, we can measure nail water content, nail water concentration depth profiles, as well as topically applied solvent penetration through nail. With AquaFlux, we can measure nail transonychial water loss (TOWL). Combining the water content results with TOWL results, we can get the water diffusion coefficient of nail. Measuring the water diffusion coefficients of nail at different nail water concentration levels can also yield information on how nail diffusion coefficients change with water content. We will present the theoretical background, and experimental results on water concentration depth profile in nail, as well as topically applied solvent penetration through nail.