Advanced imaging and detection R&D in the Center for Biophotonics

I will describe some of the activities taking place in our National Science Foundation-sponsored Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology. The mission of this center is the application of photonics to the grand challenges of biosciences and medicine. Some examples of these challenges include imaging of single biomolecules within living cells and development of non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices. Our Center currently sponsors 20 different research projects that involve interdisciplinary researchers from 10 different collaborating institutions. These institutions are UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, Stanford University, Mills College, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, UT San Antonio, Hampton University, Alabama A&M University, Fisk University as well as UC Davis. Projects focus on developing new technologies for imaging from the whole organism to the single molecule levels. These technologies include bioluminescence, non-linear optical, X-ray laser and free-electron laser microscopy. We are also developing optical sensors that can be used for monitoring the biochemistry of living cells as well as detecting diseases at the level of single molecule sensitivity. Of particular emphasis is our work on portable monitors for infectious biologic agents. We likewise are developing new medical device technologies based on photo-activated materials, laser fluorescence as well as scattering and absorption spectroscopy. I will also discuss our industry partnership programs as well as opportunities for new collaborations and partnering.