Abstract

Integrated photonic and electronic systems are becoming increasingly pervasive for enabling diagnostics and monitoring for a variety of Life Sciences applications. These include in vitro diagnostic devices used for biomedical and environmental monitoring, process analytical technologies used in the pharma, food and beverage industries, and a range of devices and systems used for life sciences research. Despite the diverse range of applications, there are common requirements for integrating systems which combine photonic sources and detectors with electronics components, embedded software, power source etc. These systems need to be able to provide real-time characterisation of analytes and biomolecules in complex media. Ultimately, developments within the umbrella of miniaturised technologies referred to as: “The Internet of Things” will enable detection and monitoring of life sciences processes in unprecedented ways, which should facilitate near patient testing for clinical and consumer applications, improved manufacturing processes for food, beverage and pharma industries. However, key challenges exist before these expansive markets can be accessed. These include the development of low cost reliable and ‘disposable’ components, resolving fouling issues on device surfaces for enabling continuous monitoring, miniaturisation of systems, etc. The complexity of the supply chain management and impacts on regulatory issues such as in the pharma sector will also need to be resolved.