BioSpec
BioSpec
Advancing real-time diagnostics through innovative optical technologies.
We have developed two innovative Raman spectroscopy devices that enable molecular analysis of tissue directly within the human body. These technologies are designed to provide rapid, minimally invasive diagnostic information at the point of care, reducing reliance on conventional surgical biopsy and supporting faster clinical decision-making.
Our research focuses on translating advanced optical technologies into practical clinical tools that improve patient outcomes, reduce diagnostic delays, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare pathways.
The two platforms currently under development are:
Both systems have successfully undergone in vivo clinical evaluation in human patients and represent important steps towards real-time, non-destructive tissue diagnosis.
A miniature confocal Raman probe has been developed to acquire molecular information from the surface of the oesophagus during standard endoscopic examinations. Designed to fit through the instrument channel of a conventional endoscope, the probe enables tissue assessment without altering routine clinical workflows. The probe is of a confocal design to only measure the surface tissue.
The technology has been evaluated in 25 patients undergoing Barrett’s oesophagus surveillance procedures at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Minimally invasive tool for rapid oesophageal tissue assessment
By providing molecular-level information directly from living tissue, the technology has the potential to support earlier detection of disease and improve the efficiency of diagnostic pathways.
For further information, please visit: rapide-diagnostics.co.uk
The Raman needle probe combines optical fibres with a Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, within a conventional hypodermic needle, allowing Raman spectra to be collected from tissues located beneath the skin. This approach enables molecular assessment of tissue without the need to remove a core or surgical sample.
The device has successfully completed safety testing in 14 patients at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
An intelligent optical biopsy at the tip of a needle, in real-time
Current diagnostic pathways often require tissue samples to be removed surgically and sent for histopathological analysis, introducing delays while patients await results. Surgical biopsies can also be associated with discomfort, scarring, infection risk, nerve injury, and extended recovery times.
The Raman needle probe aims to provide an optical biopsy by delivering diagnostic information directly from tissue in situ, potentially offering:
Research has demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy can differentiate between lymphoma and metastatic disease in laboratory studies, and our ongoing work seeks to translate these capabilities into routine clinical use through an in vivo diagnostic platform.
For further information, please visit: dolphin-diagnostics.co.uk
The development of these devices reflects BioSpec’s commitment to translating photonics and spectroscopy research into technologies that address unmet clinical needs.
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with:
Our team has extensive expertise in Raman spectroscopy, biomedical optics, clinical translation, and medical device development.