Label-Free Spectroscopy for Infection Medicine

Our Research

We develop and investigate novel photonic and spectroscopic methods for medical diagnostics. Our focus is on infectious diseases and sepsis-associated conditions, where rapid and precise diagnostic decisions are crucial. The aim is to quantitatively capture molecular and cellular processes of pathogens and host responses and to make them accessible for clinical applications.

The Clinical Spectroscopic Diagnostics research department pursues a label-free and non-destructive approach. Optical spectroscopic methods such as Raman, fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy, as well as surface plasmon resonance and microscopic techniques, are used to characterize pathogens, analyze their interactions with drugs, and investigate host responses. The focus is on both the antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens and complex pathogen–host interactions.

Another key focus is the integration of these methods into bioanalytical chip-based systems. By combining spectroscopy, microfluidics, and automated analysis, compact diagnostic approaches are developed that reduce time to diagnosis and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of infections and inflammatory processes. Our research bridges physicochemical characterization and clinical relevance, thereby establishing methodological foundations for improved diagnostic procedures.

Prof. Dr. Ute Neugebauer

Head of Department
+49 3641 206103
ute.neugebauer@leibniz-ipht.de

Ina Jahn

Assistant
+49 3641 206248
ina.Jahn@leibniz-ipht.de

Research Focus Areas

Spectroscopic Analysis
of Host Responses

Development and application of spectroscopic methods to investigate host responses in infections and inflammatory processes

Biophotonic Elucidation of
Pathogenesis Mechanisms

Investigation of molecular mechanisms of difficult-to-treat infections using Raman, IR, and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as microscopic techniques

Pathogen–Drug &
Pathogen–Host Interactions

Optical-spectroscopic characterization of drug–pathogen interactions, particularly antibiotic susceptibility, and of interactions between pathogens and host cells

Physicochemical Characterization
of Relevant Stimuli

Analysis of physicochemical properties and specific interactions, for example of nanomaterials, protein–hemin complexes, or drugs in carrier systems

Collaborations and Networks

The Clinical Spectroscopic Diagnostics research department is closely integrated into clinical and translational research networks. A central role is played by collaboration within the Center for Sepsis Control and Care at University Hospital Jena, where joint projects on infection and sepsis diagnostics are carried out, as well as within the Thüringer Innovationszentrum für Medizintechnik-Lösungen. Close ties to clinical practice enable the development and validation of spectroscopic methods using real clinical samples. Furthermore, the research department serves as a contact point for the user-accessible, broadly positioned infrastructure within the Jena Biophotonics and Imaging Laboratory (JBIL)equipment center.

Within Leibniz IPHT, there is close collaboration with the research department Spectroscopy/Imaging, particularly in the areas of instrumentation and the development of new standard operating procedures for translational applications. In addition, the department works closely with the research department Photonic Data Science, which supports complex statistical analyses of spectroscopic measurement data—especially from clinical studies—as well as the statistical planning of method validation.

At the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), the research department contributes its expertise in label-free optical-spectroscopic analysis of pathogens and host responses. This work supports the development of rapid diagnostic approaches and the translation of photonic methods into clinically relevant applications.

Through this networked approach, the research department connects basic research, methodological development, and clinical application in the field of infection research.