Ifor Samuel (St Andrews) and Ambicare
Light is used in the treatment of over thirty diseases and is particularly suited to the treatment of skin conditions including many common skin casncers. Recent advances in optoelectronics have opened up the possibility of making compact wearable light spurces that can transform light-ased treatments by replacing cumbersome fixed hospital-based light sources. The first such device has just been launched by Ambicare and consists of a continuously illuminated light-patch applied to a tumour, and a separately owrn power supply. Such advances depend on a ombination of innovation in optoelectronics closely coupled to medical and market needs. Accordingly this project is a collaboration between the University of St Andrews, Ambicare and Ninewells Hospital Dundee.
This INSPIRE project will perform research to underpin the development of the next generation of ambulatory light sources for medicine. The student will explore the scope to improve the effectiveness of treatment by pulsing the light source, rather than continuous illumination. Initial studies will be in tissue models, and the im is to identify the most favourable pulsing conditions for more effective treatment.
