University of Kent spin out to revolutionise biomedical optics

Aug 3 2006

Kent Enterprise and the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent have 'spun out' a high-tech company that is set to revolutionise biomedical optics.

Optopod Ltd, the brainchild of Adrian Podoleanu, Professor of Biomedical Optics and Head of the Applied Optics Group in the School of Physical Sciences, has developed a technique based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) that has proved successful in non-destructive imaging of superficial tissue.

Optopod's new technology has the great advantage that it is non-invasive and provides high-depth resolution, enabling safe application to different types of tissue – such as skin, teeth, gum, internal vessel walls and hair – and burns. The technology is also finding applications in biology and art conservation, with one recent experiment, conducted in association with the British Museum and the National Gallery, London, enabling scientists, conservationists and art historians to observe not only the structure of the varnish layer on a painting but also the different layers of paint and preparatory drawings beneath those layers. The technique is evolving rapidly and the University has applied for several patents to protect the technology.

Carole Barron, Director of Kent Enterprise said, 'Optopod Ltd, the second company that we have 'spun out' from the University of Kent within the last six months, consolidates our mission to commercially develop the University's intellectual property and world-class research.'

Karl Heeks, the University's technology transfer consultant who brokered the 'spin-out' said, 'Professor Podoleanu's international reputation in the area of biomedical optics and his well established commercial relationships have increased the likelihood of success for this exciting and revolutionary venture.'

Kent Enterprise is building very strong foundations in its technology transfer portfolio in a range of disciplines to enable future exploitation for the benefit of the University, its staff and the wider community.