Biophotonics
Biophotonics covers the research on the interaction of light with biological materials. The development of new and powerful optical – spectroscopic and imaging – techniques and their application to the study of biological molecules, cells, tissue, and even living animals open new ways for diagnosis and understanding of disease and pathogenicity mechanisms.
The purpose of the core unit Biophotonics within the CSCC is to provide a central consulting facility, which will help to strengthen the interdisciplinary collaboration between physicists and spectroscopists with life scientists and physicians. These interactions will foster efficient translation of photonic innovation to address unmet medical needs. Our aim is ultimately to allow physicians to use the powerful tools of biophotonics for high-quality clinical research, improved diagnostics, and patient care by providing a professionally managed cross-sectional methodology platform.
The core unit Biophotonics will provide access to advanced biophotonic instruments within an S2 biosafety level environment to CSCC investigators. These instruments include microscopes with camera, UV/vis absorption spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, laser scanning fluorescence microscope, and a two-photon-microscope. New instruments, such as an intravital multimodal CARS/SHG/TPEF/Raman imaging platform, will be developed according to the needs of the cooperating clinical investigators. Furthermore, expert consultation is provided to identify the appropriate technology and partners within the Jena research environment to solve specific medical problems. Workshops for students, researchers, and clinician scientists will create an awareness of technological possibilities and their applications in the field of sepsis research.
Moreover, the Core Unit Biophotonics is involved in the Jena Biophotonic and Imaging Laboratory (JBIL). The JBIL is a joint initiative of the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), the Friedrich Schiller University, and the Jena University Hospital.
