Project description
A laser-powered breakthrough for biomedical imaging
Biomedical imaging faces critical challenges in achieving high-resolution diagnostics while minimising animal testing. Current limitations in laser technology hinder real-time observation of dynamic processes within tissues, slowing down the discovery of novel biomarkers. In this context, the EU-funded SWEEPICS project will develop the next generation of swept source lasers with advanced capabilities. Specifically, the project aims to offer high-resolution 3D imaging combined with automated image analysis that drastically reduces the need for animal testing and accelerates diagnostic results. This technology promises to transform the landscape of European laser and biomedical advancements. The project’s interdisciplinary consortium plans to showcase the SWEEPICS solution in new applications such as animal-free drug testing using vascular organoids. SWEEPICS technology marks a major breakthrough in laser technology.
Objective
Swept lasers have enabled paradigm-shifts in biomedical imaging and diagnostics. The SWEEPICS project will research and develop the next generation of swept source lasers with flexible pulse modulation capability, high power output, multi-wavelength coherent output and multi-application potential. SWEEPICS will develop new laser-based systems: a high-speed, high resolution multiphoton high content screening system, a multimodal non-invasive imaging system based on high-speed photoacoustics and multiphoton microscopy, and a smart microscope for accelerated acquisition&diagnostics. The inter-disciplinary consortium of European partners will showcase the SWEEPICS technology in cutting-edge use cases based on novel vascular organoids for animal-free drug-testing and infection studies.
This disruptive SWEEPICS technology will rapidly generate high-resolution diagnostic imaging in three-dimension, where the high imaging depth permits penetrating millimeter deep into tissue-like organoids and imaging at high temporal and spatial resolution in order to allow for a drastic reduction of animal testing and increased speed of diagnostic results. It will allow the study of dynamic processes in real-time and at multiple length scales, enabling researchers to observe how cells and tissues respond to viral infections or pathogen-induced inflammation, while also permitting a high-throughput enabled discovery of novel diagnostic biomarkers.
Overall, this technology represents a major breakthrough in capable laser technology for high accuracy and throughput medical diagnostics and is poised to make significant contributions to the European laser and biomedical technology landscape.
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Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
23562 Lubeck
Germany