Device and method for the optical acquisition of data of a biological structure

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a device and method for optical data acquisition of biological structures, particularly in medical and biological contexts such as tissues or organs. It uses bundles of optical waveguides (light guides) designed to provide diffuse, non-directional illumination at a sample site, and also to collect light signals (such as fluorescence) emitted in response. The system can be miniaturized, flexibly arranged into two- or three-dimensional shapes, and even used as an implant for continuous or long-term monitoring of internal biological environments.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Implantable sensors for monitoring healing and detecting inflammation or infection after surgeries, especially for monitoring surgical cavities or implant sites.
• Continuous monitoring of post-operative tissue status, e.g., detecting tumor recurrence or abnormal cell activity in situ.
• Non-invasive or minimally invasive imaging of biological tissues for diagnostic purposes, especially using fluorescence or hyperspectral imaging.
• Guiding and supporting new tissue growth in regenerative medicine by providing a framework for cells while simultaneously monitoring their development.
• Supporting other imaging modalities (such as MRI or CT) by providing optical contrast or reference signals inside the body.
• Delivering drugs or therapeutic agents locally, as the device could be loaded with substances to interact with the tissue, combining sensing and treatment.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides bulk, diffuse illumination that avoids damaging sensitive biological structures and reduces the risk of artifacts due to overly directional light.
• Flexible, customizable optical waveguide structures enhance adaptability to different tissue shapes and sizes, including deep or irregular anatomical locations.
• Potential for long-term, implantable use with wireless control and data transmission, supporting continuous real-time tissue monitoring.
• Improved reproducibility and data reliability, even as biological tissues change or grow over time.
• Can detect both autofluorescence and signals from externally labeled or tagged cells or molecules, enabling a large range of biomedical measurements.
• Minimizes need for surgical re-entry by enabling remote and ongoing monitoring of healing progress, inflammation, or tumor recurrence.
• Maintains biocompatibility and mechanical flexibility (e.g., polymer optical fibers), reducing tissue irritation and mechanical failure risk.
• Can integrate hyperspectral imaging for highly specific, label-free tissue identification and discrimination.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for optically capturing data relating to a biological structure, comprising: a light source (2) for providing illumination radiation (BS) of at least one wavelength, and a plurality of optical waveguides (5) as illumination waveguides (5.1) for guiding the illumination radiation (BS) by means of total reflection to a sample location (9) and for emitting the illumination radiation (BS) at the sample location (9). In addition, at least one optical detection waveguide (5.2), for guiding detection radiation (DS) emitted at the sample location (9), and a detector (3), for detecting the detection radiation (DS), are provided. The device (1) is characterised in that the illumination waveguides (5.1) each comprise an out-coupling region (7) that is expanded within a portion of the length of the particular illumination waveguide (5.1), via which region the illumination radiation (BS) can be coupled out at least in part from the illumination waveguide (5.1) and can be diffusely emitted at the sample location (9). The invention also relates to a method for optically capturing data relating to a biological structure.