Comparative analysis of possibilities for contactless monitoring of tissue condition in bodies undergoing long-term preservation

Abstract

The condition and possible changes of soft tissues in bodies which have been fixed for long periods of time can be monitored by contactless objective measurement of color, volume, and surface changes of the soft tissues and skin. Changes in the tissues of bodies fixed for long periods of time occur due to the action of internal and external factors such as UV radiation, which causes the destruction of melanin in epidermal cells. Pioneering development of contactless monitoring methods began in the 1960s by a Moscow laboratory which was a part of the Mausoleum of V. I. Lenin, now the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. In this communication, the authors present methods, devices, and software which are nowadays commonly available for the purposes of contactless monitoring in case of tissue changes. Some bodies found during archaeological research can also fall into this category in cases where they were well preserved due to specific conditions (low temperatures or anaerobic conditions). Some mummies can also have soft tissues well preserved. To evaluate their condition and ongoing changes, it is necessary to perform the following analyses: photo documentation, CT scanning, 3D surface scanning, colorimetry, and various microbiological, microscopic, 1 2 3 1 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 2/17 biochemical, and chemical analyses. Once the state of the analyzed body is established using such contactless methods or methods with minimal invasiveness, it is then possible to perform regular body care and monitoring.