Introduction to Biophotonics

Paras Prasad’s text provides a basic knowledge of a broad range of topics so that individuals in all disciplines can rapidly acquire the minimal necessary background for research and development in biophotonics. Introduction to Biophotonics serves as both a textbook for education and training as well as a reference book that aids research and development of those areas integrating light, photonics, and biological systems. Each chapter contains a topic introduction, a review of key data, and description of future directions for technical innovation. Introduction to Biophotonics covers the basic principles of

• Optics
• Optical spectroscopy
• Microscopy

Each section also includes illustrated examples and review questions to test and advance the reader’s knowledge. Sections on biosensors and chemosensors, important tools for combating biological and chemical terrorism, will be of particular interest to professionals in toxicology and other environmental disciplines. Introduction to Biophotonics proves a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in engineering, chemistry, and the life sciences.

Intended to provide a unified synthesis of the subject as well as to stimulate research (particularly multidisciplinary research), this introduction focuses on optical probing, diagnostics, and light-activated therapies, while also covering biomaterials and bioderived materials. The first few chapters review the principles necessary to understand and study the interaction of light with biological matter, including the fundamentals of light and matter, cellular structures and processes, and principles of lasers. Later chapters cover current and future applications and research, such as in vivo spectroscopy and optical biopsy; optical bioimaging and biosensors; DNA, protein, and cell microarray technology; flow cytometry as a clinical, biotection, and research tool; and new biological tools such as laser tweezers and laser scissors. Contact information is provided for a few commercial sources of instrumentation and supplies. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

PARAS N. PRASAD, PhD, is the SUNY Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Medicine, the Samuel P. Capen Chair, and the Executive Director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics, and Biophotonics at the University of Buffalo. Professor Prasad received his BS and MS at Bihar University in India, and his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan, and has been recognized as an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow and Guggenheim Fellow. Professor Prasad teaches biophotonics at the University of Buffalo and is also a special lecturer for biophotonics courses at the SPIE.