ALPhANOV builds on nearly 20 years of history, collaboration with its regional ecosystem, and roadmaps issued by global policymakers to shape its technology roadmap in health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

The solutions developed by the photonics sector in healthcare enhance the overall experience, from fundamental research to the patient’s lived experience.

 

For medical research, it brings new perspectives in medical imaging and early diagnosis.

 

For industrals, it enables the design of more efficient, precise, less invasive, and cost-effective medical devices and pharmaceutical products, while facilitating quality control.

 

For healthcare professionals, it improves the precision of interventions, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

 

For patients, it offers a safer, more comfortable, and, above all, more personalized overall experience.

Photonics technologies address health, biotech, and pharma in four main areas:

Medical Imaging & Diagnosis

See and detect with unmatched precision.

•    Advanced optical imaging (OCT, fluorescence, spectroscopy) (TUMECS, MiMu, SAPHIRE, FASS)
•    Early diagnosis of cancers (XPulse, Hekat), neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases
•    Photonic sensors for biological analysis and real-time monitoring: optical sensors for air and water quality monitoring

Laser-Based Treatment & Surgery

Precise, targeted, and less invasive treatments: once limited to ophthalmic surgery, ALPhANOV has developed expertise in using lasers for both soft and hard tissue cutting.

•    Laser surgery (ophthalmology, maxillofacial, dentistry, ENT, oncology)
•    Photodynamic and photothermal therapies (tumor treatments)
•    Optogenetics (SLALLOM)

Surface Engineering for Medical Devices

Laser processing revolutionize the manufacturing and customization of medical devices: lasers are also used for the production of implantable and non-implantable medical devices.

Given the current need to reduce the use of chemicals and preserve resources, laser technologies offer more sustainable alternatives. They enable surface functionalization, such as antibacterial treatment of titanium prostheses, without adding harmful substances. These processes also extend to the production of innovative devices like microfluidic chips.

•    Additive manufacturing and laser micro-machining for medical devices
•    Functionalization of implantable material surfaces (Newskin, Tresclean)
•    Cutting and structuring of biomaterials
•    Applications in bioprinting and the production of custom prostheses or implants

Light-Based Therapy & Well-being

Using light for gentler and more personalized medicine: ALPhANOV develops specific light sources with customized illumination geometries to treat and manage certain conditions.

•    Photobiomodulation and light therapy for pain, depression, or neurological disorders
•    Light-assisted cell regeneration and wound healing
•    Effects of light on circadian rhythm and sleep quality
•    Dermatology (PARACETAMOL) 

All of this is supported by high-level training for healthcare professionals.

Training

Working in this environment requires knowledge of usage, safety, and risk assessment. The associated risks are numerous—for the patient, the medical team as a whole, and the practitioner: injuries, burns, tissue damage, and fire hazards.

To address these challenges, our training center PYLA develops dedicated programs for professionals.

Beyond Human Health

Photonics for health extends well beyond human health, offering technological solutions for plant and animal health as well.

Our center draws inspiration from the health strategies of global stakeholders to inform its technology roadmap and maximize the impact and sustainability of its activities.