InjectableLasers · Biocompatible and biodegradable microlasers that can be injected into the human body

Biocompatible and biodegradable microlasers that can be injected into the human body

The use of light in medicine is a very rapidly expanding area of research, with light being used in the treatment of skin diseases, imaging, surgery as well as brain-activity stimulation and recording. Currently, the only routinely used optical devices inside the human body are artificial intraocular lenses and fibre-optic devices or catheters. On the other hand, the direct integration of photonic components into living tissue would enhance the interaction of light with living matter and enable new applications in sensing and light generation. Potentially, almost any photonic device could be made out of biocompatible materials. I envision one day opening an optics product catalogue that includes a variety of implantable, biocompatible components and devices. The development of implantable photonic devices has implications for advancing biomedical imaging, diagnosis and therapy by opening up possibilities for prolonged sensing and diagnostics and more targeted treatments. The goal of InjectableLasers was to make, for the first time, biocompatible and biodegradable/resorbable microlasers, which could be injected into the human body. Specifically, the lasers support either whispering-gallery modes or Bragg modes (cholesterol laser). The gain material was composed of a non-toxic dye and the lasers were pumped by an external laser. Their operation was demonstrated both in cell cultures and inside skin tissue. A laser-like emission was also, for the first time, demonstrated using bioluminescence pumping without the use of an artificial light source. Conclusions of the action All the objectives of the action were achieved, and in some aspects surpassed, with minimal deviation from the plan. The main achievements include several world firsts: 1.) the first microlaser made completely out of substances approved for medical use, 2.) the first injectable laser, 3.) the first micron-sized biolaser operating within biological tissues, 3.) the first optical cavity pumped with bioluminescence and 4.) the first biocompatible Bragg microlaser. Therefore, the action was concluded very successfully.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз