Laser Safety in Recent Biophotonics Technology and Medical Devices

Biophotonics is an emerging field in modern science and biomedical technology which has opened up new horizons for many unique practical applications in various areas ranging from minimally invasive diagnostics and therapeutics to development of novel bioimaging techniques, biosensors and biomaterials. Recently, minimally invasive, cost-effective and rapid biophotonics techniques and medical devices have been developed as potential alternatives to conventional medical methods for diagnostics, monitoring and treatment of a variety of diseases. To translate these advanced technologies from the basic “bench” Laboratory research level toward the clinical level of the patient “bedside”, a thorough evaluation of efficacy and potential safety issues concerning these technologies is required. This presentation will cover fundamental principles, advanced features and critical limitations of some of the recently developed biophotonics technologies in the areas of ophthalmology, precise laser surgery, neuroscience, light activated tissue regeneration and therapy. It will be also discussed some novel combined biophotonics approaches for development of alternative test method for noninvasive pre-clinical evaluation of safety and effectiveness of some of these biophotonics based technologies and devices.