New Danish technology will detect infections, antibiotic resistance and disease earlier and more accurately

The research and innovation project nanoRaman aims to develop a new generation of diagnostics that can identify infections, antibiotic resistance and disease signs faster and more accurately than today – and without the use of dyes or chemical markers. The goal is to bring super-resolution Raman microscopy and AI closer to the clinic and strengthen both Danish health, research and life science. Innovation Fund Denmark is investing 20.9 million kroner in the project.

With the nanoRaman project, Danish researchers, clinicians and companies are joining forces to develop a new generation of super-resolution, label-free diagnostics. The project is based on Raman spectroscopy, which is an optical method that can read the biochemical fingerprints of samples without the use of dyes or chemical markers. At the same time, the method uses so-called photonic nanojets (PNJs), which make it possible to focus light much more precisely and thus see more details than with conventional optical systems.

If the project is successful, nanoRaman could give doctors, veterinarians and researchers access to a completely new analysis tool that reduces dependence on time-consuming laboratory processes while improving the diagnostics of both infections, antibiotic resistance and disease changes in tissue.

Faster and more accurate diagnostics

The goal of nanoRaman is to identify infections, antibiotic resistance and disease-related biomarkers faster and more accurately than today.

By combining the chemical sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy with PNJ-based superresolution, the technology can analyze biological samples with a level of detail that is currently difficult to achieve quickly and without extensive sample preparation. This could lead to improved patient outcomes, fewer delays, more efficient use of healthcare resources, and new Danish growth opportunities within advanced diagnostics and life science.

“nanoRaman is about bringing super-resolved Raman technology and artificial intelligence closer to the clinic. The goal is to create a tool that can provide faster and more accurate answers in diagnostics while strengthening Denmark's position within the next generation of healthcare technology. This can be crucial for patients to receive the right treatment in time ,” says Mikael Lassen, project manager and Principal Scientist at DFM.

From research to concrete value for patients

The investment from Innovation Fund Denmark makes it possible to elevate nanoRaman from a promising idea to a technology that can be developed, tested and validated close to clinical reality. The project brings together advanced nanooptics, artificial intelligence and clinical trials on a scale that would otherwise not be possible. This creates the foundation for a new type of super-resolution diagnostics that can be brought from the laboratory and closer to patients, clinicians and the market.

Facts

• Innovation Fund's investment: DKK 20,905,760.
• Total budget: DKK 28,227,880.
• Duration: 4 years
• Official Title: Next-Gen Biomedical Imaging: Nano Super-Resolution Raman Microscope.

About the partners

nanoRaman brings together partners from the entire value chain, and it is precisely this close collaboration that is crucial to the project's success.

DFM is leading the project and will develop the theoretical foundation for the technology as well as methods to validate nanoRaman.

SPIO Systems is responsible for the nanooptical solutions, Lightnovo is working to translate the technology into a product, and SDU is contributing with advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence.

OUH and KU/AU VET ensure that the platform is tested and validated on real clinical and veterinary samples.

Together, the partners will bring nanoRaman from groundbreaking research to a technology that can make a real difference in both healthcare and research.