The Potential of Photoacoustic Imaging in Detecting and Managing Complex Wounds

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a promising emerging technology in biomedical imaging, particularly in wound healing. This review summarizes the applications of PAI in the detection and management of complex wounds, emphasizing its advantages in providing high-contrast, high-resolution deep tissue imaging. PAI integrates optical imaging's high contrast with ultrasound's deep penetration, facilitating the monitoring of vital physiological parameters like blood flow, oxygen saturation, and tissue regeneration in wounds. The review details the applications of PAI in monitoring wound pH, nerve repair, drug absorption, burn imaging, and infection-related wound assessment. It also explores the role of novel materials like carbon-based materials, nanorobots, and inorganic nanoparticles in enhancing PAI capabilities. Despite the technical challenges and limitations in clinical applications, PAI holds tremendous potential for wound healing monitoring. The review concludes by addressing the challenges and solutions for PAI, along with future development directions, to facilitate the transition of PAI technologies from experimental stages to clinical application.