BioPHIX is a research project focused on developing a new generation of biocompatible fibre-optic temperature sensors for applications in spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment.
The project addresses a critical challenge in therapeutic hypothermia: the need for precise, real-time temperature monitoring directly within spinal tissue. Current technologies are limited by poor spatial resolution, incompatibility with medical imaging systems, or their inability to remain implanted for extended periods due to foreign body response.
BioPHIX proposes a novel solution based on soft polymer optical fibres incorporating fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, enabling accurate and localized temperature measurements while minimizing tissue damage. These fibres are designed to be flexible, minimally invasive, and suitable for prolonged implantation, overcoming key limitations of conventional rigid or electronic probes .
The sensing elements are fabricated using femtosecond laser inscription, allowing precise integration of optical structures within the fibre and enabling high-resolution temperature tracking, with target accuracy on the order of 0.1 °C .
The project follows a multidisciplinary approach combining photonics, materials science, and biomedical engineering, and progresses from device design and fabrication to validation in realistic environments, including biological models. Ultimately, BioPHIX aims to deliver a clinically relevant sensing platform that can improve the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia, contributing to better outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries.
