Biophotonic

Biophotonic, or biophotonics, refers to the science and engineering of using light to study, image, monitor, and manipulate biological systems. It is an interdisciplinary field that blends biology, physics, optics, chemistry, and medical engineering to develop tools that illuminate life at cellular and molecular scales. The central aim is to translate light-based measurements into information about biological structure, function, and health.

Techniques in biophotonics encompass optical imaging and spectroscopy such as fluorescence microscopy (including confocal and two-photon/multiphoton), super-resolution methods like STED and PALM, optical coherence tomography, and diffuse optical tomography. Spectroscopic approaches include Raman and infrared spectroscopy. In vivo imaging and noninvasive sensing exploit tissue transparency windows and photodetection to visualize processes in real time. Other modalities, such as photoacoustic imaging, combine light with ultrasound to enhance contrast in deeper tissues. Therapeutic applications include photodynamic therapy, laser surgery, and optical-guided cancer treatments. In addition, optogenetics uses light to control cellular activity, a capability enabled by photonics tools.

Biophotonics has a broad impact on medicine and life sciences by enabling early disease detection, real-time monitoring, image-guided interventions, and targeted therapies. Ongoing challenges include managing light scattering in tissue, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, and integrating photonic devices with clinical workflows. While biophotonics is sometimes used as a broader term, it remains focused on the use of light-based methods to study and influence biological systems.