Biophotonics Overview and Applications

Biophotonics

• Biophotonics investigates all interactions between light and biological material.
• Studies involve the use of light to study the structure, function, and mechanisms of biological systems.
• Applications extend to biology, for probing molecular functions, and medicine, for tissue and blood analysis at both macro and micro scales.
• In medicine, biophotonics assists with non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

Interaction of Light with Biomaterials

• Biophotonics is a multidisciplinary field, drawing from various technical fields like optical fibers, optical sources, photodetectors, nanotechnology, and microscopy.
• It leverages optical methodologies to explore structural, functional, and chemical properties of biological materials.
• The spectrum of wavelengths used in biophotonics ranges from ultraviolet (190 nm) to infrared (10.6 μm), with the visible spectrum (400–700 nm) widely utilized.

In Vivo, In Vitro and Ex Vivo

• In vivo (Latin for "in the living") refers to tests or procedures conducted on biological components within living organisms, such as animals, humans, or plants.
• Provides insight into the natural condition and changes within a living entity.
• In Vitro (Latin for "within the glass") refers to tests performed in laboratory settings on biological components extracted from living organisms.
• Evaluates microorganisms, cells, molecules, or tissue samples in a controlled environment.
• Ex Vivo (Latin for "from the living") refers to procedures involving taking living cells, tissues, or organs from an organism and examining them in a controlled environment.
• Allows for examination, modification, or repair of biological components under sterile conditions.

Opportunities within Biophotonics

• Chemists: Focus on developing new fluorescent tags, chemical probes for analyte detection and biosensing, nanoclinics for targeted therapy, and nanochemistries for materials probes and nanodevices.
• Biomedical Researchers: Utilize bioimaging to probe molecular, cellular, and tissue functions, identify optical signatures for detecting diseases, and conduct dynamic imaging for physiological response to therapy and drug delivery.
• Clinician - ...