COMSOL Multiphysics® as a Tool for Reducing Animals in Biomedical Research: An Application in Dermatology

F. Rossi[1] and R. Pini[1]
[1]Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Firenze, Italy
Published in 2009

In biomedical research the use of animal models gives rise to several ethical problems. COMSOL Multiphysics® may be used as a non-animal technique, very useful in overcoming all these concerns. In this presentation a particular application in dermatology is shown. Bioheat equation mode and diffusion approximation were used to design a theoretical model of blue LED light interaction with an abraded rat skin. The geometrical model was used to test the hypothesis underlying the design of a photocoagulator device, to be used as a support tool in laser rejuvenation treatment of facial skin. The use of COMSOL enabled us to replace animal tests with the results of a predictive model.

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