Phototherapy

The group draws on expertise across cell and molecular biology, microbiology, optoelectronics, biophotonics, and has expertise for clinical translation with collaborations across a broad spectrum of clinical disciplines including medicine, veterinary sciences, and dentistry. These collaborations aim to deliver novel therapeutic interventions for traumatic brain injury, periodontitis (gum disease), local and systemic infections, musculoskeletal disorders, skin disease, cardiovascular disease, neuropathic pain, and traumatic wound infection/repair.

Our multidisciplinary group works towards understanding the fundamental principles of photobiomodulation and its application towards clinical translation. The research and translational developments are underpinned by funding from the UK Research Councils, NIHR, Ministry of Defence and industry. We demonstrate the therapeutic effects and dose optimisation required for beneficial biological responses towards the development of innovative medical devices. Recently, our work has resulted in securing the intellectual property relating to the invasive delivery of near infrared light for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.

The overarching aims of the Phototherapy Research Group, include:

• Understanding tissular, cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin phototherapy.
• Developing novel approaches to bacterial decontamination
• Developing novel in vitro tools for high-throughput analysis in order to study the efficacy of light therapy in a range of treatment needs.
• Modelling light transmission through relevant tissues in order to optimise light dosing parameters.
• Developing simultaneous light treatment regimes to inhibit and remove infections that may impede wound repair.
• Understanding patient needs and to identify the most appropriate light therapy delivery approach to enable the development of novel devices for a range of clinical needs.