Previewing Photonics West Keynote Sessions on Phototherapy and Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy

From January 25–30, industry professionals, researchers, and instrument suppliers will gather in San Francisco, California, for the annual SPIE Photonics West Conference. SPIE Photonics West is the largest annual conference and exhibition dedicated to optics, photonics, and laser technologies, drawing researchers, engineers, and industry professionals from around the globe (1). The event features a combination of technical sessions, hands-on workshops, and an exhibition floor showcasing the latest innovations in photonics. Photonics West covers a wide array of topics, including biomedical optics, industrial lasers, quantum technologies, and optoelectronic materials and devices (1).

Dynamic Urban Abstract Collage Featuring Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Skyline. Generated by AI. | Image Credit: © vitanovski - stock.adobe.com

One of the conference’s highlights is its three core symposia: BIOS, focused on biomedical optics and biophotonics; LASE, dedicated to laser technologies and industrial applications; and OPTO, which explores optoelectronics, photonic materials, and their applications (1). Attendees benefit from the numerous research presentations, networking opportunities, and access to technical demonstrations from leading companies and startups. The conference also has special programs, such as startup pitch competitions and professional development workshops, to further enhance the conference experience (1). The conference provides a platform to discuss advancements shaping industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and telecommunications, while offering a glimpse into the future of photonics.

Here are a couple keynote sessions that experts won’t want to miss on Tuesday, January 28.

First, Mei X. Wu of Harvard Medical School will deliver a keynote presentation titled, “Bacteria-specific Pro-photosensitizers: An Emerging Field in Phototherapy for Multidrug-resistant Bacteria.” Wu’s talk will highlight advancements in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria using bacteria-specific pro-photosensitizers (pro-PS) (2).

Wu earned her Ph.D. from Utah State University and completed postdoctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University (3). Her research focuses on next-generation technologies to combat sepsis and pandemics, including biomimetic nanoparticles for universal flu vaccines and bacteria-specific phototoxicity against superbugs (3).

Traditional photosensitizers (PS) are active in both mammalian cells and bacteria, limiting their specificity. Wu’s talk will introduce two novel classes of pro-PS designed to activate exclusively in bacteria. The first class relies on higher singlet oxygen production in bacteria upon light exposure, while the second leverages bacteria-specific pathways to enhance porphyrin biosynthesis using porphyrin precursors (2). These innovative pro-PS enable precise targeting of bacterial cells without affecting mammalian cells. Their specificity allows for higher dosing and effective eradication of MDR bacteria, including planktonic cells, mature biofilms, and persister cells, regardless of their antibiotic resistance (2). This approach represents a promising, non-antibiotic solution to the escalating threat of MDR infections (2).

Later in the morning, a second keynote presentation will be delivered by Pietro Ferraro of Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "Eduardo Caianiello", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy) (4). Ferraro’s talk will explore a new imaging technique referred to Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM), and how this technique has enormous potential in being applied in the biomedical and environmental fields. FPM combines low numerical aperture (NA) objectives with angled illumination to achieve high-resolution, multi-scale imaging (4). This eliminates the traditional compromise between lateral resolution and field of view, enabling detailed analysis of cells, tissues, and environmental samples (4). Its label-free nature allows for non-invasive diagnostics and monitoring, making it especially valuable for studying biological tissues, cellular behavior, and environmental health (4). Ferraro’s talk will also highlight recent advancements and applications, emphasizing FPM’s versatility and impact in improving both biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

References

1. SPIE Photonics West, Main Homepage. SPIE.org. Available at: https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonics-west (accessed 2025-01-15).
2. Wu, M. X. Bacteria-specific Pro-photosensitizers: An Emerging Field in Phototherapy for Multidrug-resistant Bacteria. Presented at the SPIE Photonics West Conference, San Francisco, California, January 28, 2025. Available at: https://spie.org/photonics-west/presentation/Bacteria-specific-pro-photosensitizers--An-emerging-field-in-phototherapy/13298-32 (accessed 2025-01-16).
3. Massachusetts General Research Institute, Mei X. Wu, M.D., Ph.D. Harvard.edu. Available at: https://researchers.mgh.harvard.edu/profile/3117369/Mei-Wu (accessed 2025-01-17).
4. Ferraro, P. Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy (FPM): A Versatile Label-free Multimodal Imaging Tool, Review and Perspectives. Presented at the SPIE Photonics West Conference, San Francisco, California, January 27, 2025. Available at: https://spie.org/photonics-west/presentation/Fourier-ptychographic-microscopy-FPM--a-versatile-label-free-multimodal/13331-43 (accessed 2025-01-16).