Biophotonics : A Detection and Analysis Technology
The term biophotonics refers to the combination of biology and photonics, wherein photonics is defined as the science and technology of performing various functions such as manipulation, detection and generation of photons. Photons play a pivotal role in information technologies such as fibre optics. Biophotonics, which falls under the Semiconductor category, can also be defined as the development, application and usage of optical techniques, generally imaging to facilitate the study of biological molecules, tissues and cells. One of the benefits of using this technique is that it can easily preserve the biological integrity of the samples being examined. There are many areas where this technique or this study is used such as medicine, life science, agricultural science and environmental science therefor e the term biophotonics is referred to as the general term for all methods and techniques that deal with interaction between biological materials and photons which can include emission, detection, absorption, reflection, modification and creation of radiation from biomolecular cells, tissues, organisms and other biomaterials. Biophotonics has a variety of uses in the medical and biotech industry, it can be used to perform and facilitate function such as Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Research and Biotechnology.
Current Scenario in Biophotonics Space:
1) Growing Demand for Biophotonics
In the recent years there has been growing demand for technologies or methods to detect any disease that a person may be suffering from. Biophotonics can be used for the detection of diseases in the early stages like cancer. Also, biophotonics can be used for the detection of biological agent that can be used in biological warfare will increase the demand from the defence sector. Moreover the biophotonics can also be used for environmental monitoring which can be used to control the environmental affecting phenomenon such as pollution and global warming. Biophotonics can also be used for many other applications which are not related to medical industry such as the agriculture industry, food and beverage industry and others. Biophotonics based imaging technology is also increasingly finding uses and applications in many fields such as nanobiotechnology and cell biology, also it is expected that these technologies may replace the already existing mechanical scanning equipment in the coming few years.
2) Technology and Application to play a role
By technology the biophotonics market has been segmented as in-vivo and in-vitro. Also on the basis of application it has been segmented as see through imaging, inside imaging, surface imaging, microscopy, light therapy, biosensors and others. See through imaging and inside imaging are expected to hold a significant amount of share in the market owing to the fact that it makes seeing the inside of objects or biological materials easier thus aiding in the analysis process. So due to this the detection of some diseases that can pose serious problems to humans is successful and less harm is produced. In the applications segment, In vivo spectroscopy is poised to hold a considerable amount of share in the biophotonics market owing to the fact that it allows the researchers to easily and conveniently study cellular and tissue structures thus providing an opportunity to conduct retinal imaging, determining the potential of optical mammography and catheter based endoscopic optical coherence tomography among others.
3) Advancements and Usage in Medical and Healthcare Sector
There are continuous advancements being made in the biophotonic techniques and devices so as to improve the detection and results. Biophotonics can support a wide array of applications in the medical sector such as Diagnostics, Therapeutic and Research. In the segment, Diagnostics various biophotonic devices are used for detecting diseases and checking them in the pre-initial phase so that the disease doesn’t develop into something serious and life threatening. In therapeutic treatment, various devices that are based on biophotonic technology are used to give therapy or in simpler words to treat diseases like cancer. As biophotonics can enable cost effective medical diagnostics and therapeutic tools that can aid and facilitate the faster detection and treatment of some crtitical illnesess, so due to that biophotonics will gain traction in applications such as microscopy, cytometery over other tradiotinal techniques.
Moreover, continuous research is being conducted and made to launch more better and advanced biophotonic devices in the coming years to make the detection and treatment of these disease easier and more effective. The key players are involved in making investments and advancements so as to improve the state of these devices. For Example, the product Spectroline Bi-O-Vison series transilluminators by the company Spectronics Corp produce UV and white light to view the flouroscent gels or visiblw blots for applications in life science, this product also has an unique feature which allows it to adjust and optimize the intensity from 100 percent to 50 percent. In addition the market analysis shows that there are many funding opportunities that exist in gene therapy research and immunotherapy research which would also propel the market growth in the coming years.
Conclusion:
Currently, In-Vivo Spectroscopy holds a significant share this market and is anticipated to witness a fast growth rate in the upcoming years due to the burgeoning demand from different countries. With respect to current market trends, it is anticipated that therapeutics will flourish in the upcoming years with demand to diagnose and properly treat diseases being generated from developed regions. The growing need for proper technologies that can aid in faster detection of diseases to reduce the harmful affects on the health will continue to play a central role in driving this marketand will attract a lot of new entrants who will bring new and better changes in the techniques and tools for these purposes. Thus, the market will remain competitive in the upcoming year.
