TITLE:
Lighting the Wounds: How LED Technology Could Revolutionize Early Detection of Buruli Ulcer
AUTHORS:
Didier Konan Yable, Abdoulaye Kadiolotien Soro, Kouakou Rodolphe Kossonou, Olivier Asseu, Cissé Theodore Haba
KEYWORDS:
Diagnostics, Diffuse Reflectance, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Skin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.15 No.9,
September
18,
2025
ABSTRACT: Our research focuses on the detection of M. ulcerans (Mycobacterium ulcerans), etiological agent of Buruli ulcer, and the analysis of the spectra of the optical properties of human skin by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. This promising technique is established in this paper for non-invasive and in vivo characterization of optical properties of tissues for diagnostic application. An innovative, compact and low-cost architecture for DRS (Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy) has been proposed. This innovative approach is based on the use of a multispectral image sensor and LEDs (Light-Emitting Diode) to obtain a diffuse reflectance signal in contact with the skin. This prototype, including a spectrometer coupled to an optical fiber, a microcontroller, an array of 8 LEDs and a computer, has been developed, fabricated and implemented. Diffuse reflectance profiles were acquired at 438 nm, 544 nm and 613 nm. The spectrum of M. ulcerans was established by this method at 256 nm and 365 nm. The results obtained confirm the potential and of our approach for quantitative tissue information and study of Buruli ulcer disease progression before changes are visibly apparent. This suggests the possibility of using it as a complementary technique to clinical assessment.