Development of an advanced prototype of high scientific and technological quality for biomedical applications based on DOT-NIR near-infrared image reconstruction

The DOTNIR project aims to develop a prototype tomograph for in vivo biomedical imaging, based on non-invasive techniques that use near-infrared light to detect specific physiological or pathological characteristics in tissues. This project is currently being carried out within the framework of the Agustín de Betancourt Transfer Program 2016-2020. The DOTNIR project has benefited from the support and active participation of a multidisciplinary research group, notably the development work of the Engineering staff at the Neuroimaging Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of La Laguna. During 2017-2018, the project members coordinated and carried out research activities on near-infrared diffuse optical spectroscopy techniques; designed and developed software for image reconstruction; designed parts for component testing and experiments; and disseminated information about the project. Informédica has been involved in activating a platform for consulting and storing biomedical images, monitoring products that represent competition to our market development, and holding regular meetings with project participants. Currently, the project continues its progress toward obtaining a programmable prototype of a module for monitoring changes in blood oxygenation in living tissue through a diffuse optical channel. This module constitutes the basic functional unit for data acquisition in the future tomograph, and an operational unit is expected by the first quarter of 2019. Arranging several of these modules allows for multiplying the number of optical acquisition channels, enabling the detection of spatially localized changes within the examined tissue and the reconstruction of tissue function images resolved in time and space. A multi-channel prototype is expected by 2020, with performance subject to the availability of project resources. The results obtained during the development of this project can generate new opportunities both scientifically and commercially and strengthen long/medium term synergies between Canary Islands researchers and local or global companies.

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ULL Team

• Francisco José Marcano Serrano
• Justo Roberto Pérez Cruz