Analysis of major elements in pigmented melanocytic chicken skin using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract

The concentration difference of major elements in melanocytic skin with respect to pigmentation level is analysed by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to investigate the applicability of LIBS as an in situ feedback tool for selective and complete laser removal of melanocytic skin tissue like nevus. The skin of black silkie chicken which had a characteristic darkly pigmented perifollicular skin surrounded by lightly pigmented extrafollicular skin was used as the sample. The results showed higher LIBS signal intensities of Ca2+ and Mg2+ but lower intensities of Na+, Cl- and K+ in the perifollicular skin than in the extrafollicular skin, which demonstrated the feasibility to use LIBS as a reliable method to distinguish skin tissues with difference in pigmentation level.