Bio and Health Technology
The ever-increasing population combined with new and more costly medical treatments for various diseases puts a heavy load on modern welfare. At the same time, the health and wellbeing of humans is on the Global Goals agenda of world (goal no. 3). Therefore, new and cost-effective technical solutions are in need to keep costs under control while supporting improved medical treatment and diagnosis for humans
At DTU Fotonik we develop key technologies for detecting, imaging and diagnosing major deceases such as cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, psoriasis, stress and atherosclerosis. For example, we have successfully improved the OCT technology (Optical Coherence Tomography) so that it delivers more detailed images than the OCT systems currently on the market. We are developing methods to penetrate deeper into the skin using infrared light for us to create images that show how deep skin cancer has progressed. Depth is something that is important to the examining doctors because they can then see how the cancer has progressed as this determines the treatment the patient should receive.The most noticeable result so far is perhaps that we have demonstrated the world’s first real-time mid-infrared OCT system that can be used to make non-destructive testing of all kinds of materials besides skin. Another aspect we study is the first steps of interaction between electrons and bio tissue – with a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms leading to damage, it will become possible to develop better medical treatment.We have also developed a new LED technology that modulates and activates the neuron response in different parts of the brain without hindering vision. We seek to activate different parts of the brain through temporal light modulation, at an early stage before the onset of Alzheimer´s, for improved memory and better cognitive functions for elderly people.Our new LED technology and nanotechnology are also used to reduce infection in humans. Recently, we have suggested a new treatment concept for chronic infections around implants based on nanotechnology and photon activated disinfection reducing the need for antibiotic or surgical treatments. Furthermore, we try to improve the sensitivity in the detection of biomarkers for biomedical applications, and we study sensing technology to develop effective and compact sensors, equipping doctors with accurate analytical tools even in the remote internet-free areas.DTU Fotonik considers collaboration with external partners as an important and strategic mission regarding the development of new technology for bio and healthcare methods. Collaboration ensures that our research-based knowledge and technologies are being disseminated to society. Industrial collaboration is a key access for DTU Fotonik researchers to the research and innovation agenda in the business community.