Biophotonics - Laser Zentrum Hannover

The group Biophotonics of the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) is conducting applied research and development of laser and imaging systems for biomedical research. We focus on 3D-imaging and the realization of pioneering applications, including laser application in ophthalmology, processing of biomaterials and cell manipulation. Translation of the results generally assumes an important role in our work.

Research

Overview

The Biophotonics group of the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) sets its focus on application-related research. The principal fields of work include medical engineering, ophthalmology, laser-based material processing, imaging and cell manipulation. Translational research projects evaluate the feasibility of newly developed pioneering applications, usually in close cooperation with partners from industry. Furthermore, basic research is conducted to study and develop new methods and techniques as well as their scientific basis.
The Biophotonics Group currently comprises 9 employees; it is part of the "Industrial and Biomedical Optics" department of Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V (https://www.lzh.de/de/abteilungen/industrielle-und-biomedizinische-optik). It carries out its work at both NIFE and LZH. The extended infrastructure of the Laser Zentrum Hannover is thus also available for research.

Ultra short pulse laser (UKP laser)

The group relies on extensive experience in the application of ultrashort laser pulses in ophthalmology. Among other projects, it is based on significant involvement in the development of the femtosecond LASIK. This method supersedes the use of a scalpel by cutting the cornea with a laser. Also, the group Biophotonics of the LZH shaped research on presbyopia worldwide. We further use ultrashort pulsed lasers to alter the collagen structure of the cornea by irradiation or to realize a new means of therapy for vitreous opacities (“floaters”).(https://www.lzh.de/de/publikationen/pressemitteilungen/2020/xfloater)

Imaging

A second pillar of our work is related to imaging. The focus of the group is set on individualized solutions in 3D-imaging. The laser-based tomographic imaging technique SLOT, developed at the LZH, allows for the study of biological samples up to a few centimeters in size. The method can be used complementary to two-photon excitation microscopy, for example, so the structural overview can be followed by detailed analyses. Ultrashort laser pulses can be employed in both methods to excite intrinsic contrast mechanisms, for example for collagen imaging. They are used for the structural study of tissues, such as fiber orientation in the extracellular matrix of tumors or neuronal growth in locust embryos. Applications in quality control in tissue engineering or during the production of cell spheroids is under research as well. The methodical variety is completed by optical coherence tomography, nano-CT and scanning electron microscopy.

Laser as a tool for precise material removal

In medicine, lasers are frequently used as high precision tools for material ablation. Here, adaptation of laser parameters and target tissue, device operability and laser safety constitute the major challenges. The Biophotonics group is conducting translational research in this field to facilitate the introduction of promising technologies to the clinical practice. One example is a project that studies facilitated bone cement ablation by laser during revision operations of endoprotheses (https://www.lzh.de/de/publikationen/pressemitteilungen/2020/hueftprothese-tauschen-knochenzement-mit-dem-Laser-schonender-entfernen). Targeted material processing, for example of hydrogels in tissue engineering, is studied as well in basic research projects.

Automation

Automation and high-throughput methods are gaining increasing importance in sample production, processing and analysis. The Biophotonics group implements new applications and can realize automated prototypes. Those are used for ongoing research , such as the automated laser-based high throughput cell transfection via gold-nanoparticle mediated transfection (“GNOME”), and can further be developed up to marketability with partners from industry. The imaging field employs machine learning tools to increase information depth and optimize the technologies.

The Biophotonics group is part of the department "Industrial and Biomedical Optics" of the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V (https://www.lzh.de/de/abteilungen/industrielle-und-biomedizinische-optik). Research and development are performed both at the NIFE and the LZH. Therefore, the extended infrastructure of the LZH is available for our research endeavors.

GROUP LEADER

Dr.

Tammo Ripken

Head of Department Industrial and Biomedical Optics Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

Industrial and Biomedical Optics

GROUP LEADER

Dr.

Sonja Johannsmeier

Group Leader Biophotonics, Department of Industrial and Biomedical Optics Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

Industrial and Biomedical Optics

M.Sc.

Liza Lengert

M.Sc.

Alina Rahtz

All publications can be found at: https://www.lzh.de/de/publications/search

Keywords

Imaging, ophthalmology, 3D imaging, laser-tissue interaction, prototyping, automation, machine learning, optical coherence tomography, cell transfection, optogenetics

Contact

Dr. Sonja Johannsmeier

+49 511 2788-352

s.johannsmeier(at)lzh.de

Fax: +49 511 2788-100

LZH:
Hollerithallee 8
30419 Hanover
NIFE:
Stadtfelddamm 34
30625 Hanover

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