Biophotonics: An Exciting Frontier
H.E. Pudavar, T.Y. Ohulchanskyy, E. J. Bergey and P.N. Prasad
Biophotonics, which involves the integration of four major technologies: lasers, photonics, nanotechnology and biotechnology, offers a new dimension for development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This article covers two focus areas of biophotonics, optical bioimaging and light activated photodynamic therapy. It also introduces novel applications of nanotechnology to bioimaging and drug delivery. Principles of few bioimaging techniques and some examples of bioimaging at the microbial, cellular and tissue level will be presented. Nonlinear optical processes, specifically multiphoton absorption, in bioimaging and photodynamic therapy will be also discussed. The novel applications of nanotechnology to bioimaging and drug delivery will be introduced.