Bioluminescent Imaging has the ability to enhance the visualization of anatomic structures and tissues that may be difficult to see with current laparoscopic technology, thus making procedures safer. The increased risk of common bile duct injury described since the development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is an example of a persistent clinical problem that will benefit from BLI. It has been demonstrated that common bile duct injury risk is mitigated by liberal use of cholangiography. Current cholangiography techniques using fluoroscopy and iodinated contrast, though effective, can be considered cumbersome due the requirement of technician support, equipment positioning and shielding. This has limited the routine performance of intraoperative cholangiography. BLI is designed to replace the need for radiology ai software in selected laparoscopic procedures thus promoting more widespread application of operative techniques that enhance patient safety.

The novelty of BLI in laparoscopic procedures is the fact that no target tissue to which the bioluminescent agent binds is required, rather the bioluminescent agent fills and illuminates a cavity. BLI takes advantage of this light as it is seen by the camera itself. In the case of operative cholangiography, this obviates the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy. Initial studies in animal and cadaver models demonstrate sensitive visualization of anatomic structures, including but not limited to the biliary tree, vascular structures and gastrointestinal lumens. Future directions include refinement, selection and adaptation of cameras sensitive to bioluminescent light for use in laparoscopic procedures. Visualizing the photons emitted by BLI with increasingly sensitive cameras has multiple potential advantages as compared to use of traditional radiologic techniques.

We continue to refine our current designs as well as seek and pursue new applications for our bioluminescent technology. These projects are complex and span multiple disciplines and markets resulting in open opportunities for collaborators to become a part of this venture. If you feel that you or your company’s skills and goals complement ours, we would love to hear from you. Email us at info@biolume.net to ask questions about our technology or available partnering opportunities.

Biolume’s Bioluminescent Imaging (BLI) represents a new method of molecular imaging (non-invasive visualization of cellular processes inside living organisms). By attaching our bioluminescent enzymes to antigens or antibodies, researches are able to monitor disease progression and/or track the efficacy of a drug therapy. Doctors are able to use BLI to light up tumors or illuminate ducts during surgery. Bioluminescent Imaging will allow researchers, doctors, and many others, to see objectives and critical processes with their naked eye, helping them be more efficient and accurate without the need for cumbersome and complicated equipment and procedures.

Imagine a bathtub full of stars, an enchanted place where everything you touch begins to glow, a lollipop that lights up when you lick it. These are just a few of the many bioluminescent applications we are developing here at BioLume. We are looking for partners to help us bring these products to the vast consumer markets.

Shining the light on new possibilities