Goal

Abstract:

Swept lasers have enabled paradigm-shifts in biomedical imaging and diagnostics. The SWEEPICS project will research and develop the next generation of swept source lasers with flexible pulse modulation capability, high power output, multi-wavelength coherent output and multi-application potential. SWEEPICS will develop new laser-based systems: a high-speed, high resolution multiphoton high content screening system, a multimodal non-invasive imaging system based on high-speed photoacoustics and multiphoton microscopy, and a smart microscope for accelerated acquisition&diagnostics. The inter-disciplinary consortium of European partners will showcase the SWEEPICS technology in cutting-edge use cases based on novel vascular organoids for animal-free drug-testing and infection studies. 

This disruptive SWEEPICS technology will rapidly generate high-resolution diagnostic imaging in three-dimension, where the high imaging depth permits penetrating millimeter deep into tissue-like organoids and imaging at high temporal and spatial resolution in order to allow for a drastic reduction of animal testing and increased speed of diagnostic results. It will allow the study of dynamic processes in real-time and at multiple length scales, enabling researchers to observe how cells and tissues respond to viral infections or pathogen-induced inflammation, while also permitting a high-throughput enabled discovery of novel diagnostic biomarkers.

Overall, this technology represents a major breakthrough in capable laser technology for high accuracy and throughput medical diagnostics and is poised to make significant contributions to the European laser and biomedical technology landscape.

Objectives:

  1. Develop agile, multi-capable swept source lasers
  2. Enable an AI-powered laser engine & smart microscopy system
  3. Develop deep & fast Multiphoton Microscopy on human cell-derived vascular organoids
  4. Develop an ultrahigh-speed opto-acoustic microscope for label-free & non-invasive blood oxygen Imaging
  5. Showcase SWEEPICS tools in five biomedical Use Cases
  6. Benchmark against state-of-the-art & disseminate technology
  7. Develop a Business model and exploit technology in different markets

Work packages:

In order to achieve the abovementioned objectives, the project plan is devised in ten work packages:

  1. Development of Experimental Lasers
  2. Development of Validation Lasers to TRL5
  3. Development of Multimodal Imaging Systems
  4. Development of On-site Validation Systems
  5. Use Cases: Organoids Manufacturing and Biomedical Applications
  6. Benchmarking
  7. Dissemination
  8. Exploitation and Business Strategies
  9. Management
  10. Ethics requirements