Label-free Biomedical Imaging and Sensing (LBIS) 2025

Label-free biomedical optical imaging and sensing refers to optical measurements performed on biological samples or living organisms without the need for utilizing labeling agents. Label-free imaging of cells in vitro is specifically of interest, since cells are optically transparent and regular bright-field imaging does not present enough contrast. Labeling agents, such as fluorescent dyes or labels using antibodies, can create molecular specificity and enhance contrast but they might interfere with the biological phenomena measured, and thus are not always allowed. In vivo imaging of living organisms, and humans in particular, should be preferably performed without using labeling agents to avoid possible hazardous effects induced by these agents.

Optical detection methods for label-free imaging and sensing are typically based on internal contrast mechanisms of the sample; for example, its ability to delay the light interacting with the sample due to refractive index changes, or its ability to create unique optical spectroscopic, auto-fluorescence, and birefringence or acoustic signatures. In addition, the substrate holding the sample during measurement can be used to enhance the detection and monitor of the sample properties via various effects, including plasmon resonance, total internal reflection, etc. Furthermore, life science tools, such as optogenetics, gene expression or editing methods, can be applied to achieve molecular specificity in living objects with high spatial and temporal resolution.

Label-free imaging and sensing in the nanoscale, including tracking of single molecules, is of high interest as well. Specifically, label-free optical nanoscopy is still considered as an unsolved challenge in this field. Clinical, preclinical, life science, industrial, and environmental application fields are attractive for translational research and workflow solutions with label-free imaging and sensing.

This conference will gather academic, clinical and industrial researchers from various disciplines, who are interested in optical imaging and sensing of biological substances without using labeling.

The keynote presentation from 2023 was given by:

• Stephen A. Boppart, University of Illinois, USA

This year, the conference will enhance the visibility of female scientists by the selection of Keynote and Invited lectures.

Relevant topics include but are not limited to:

• Phase imaging (Zernike’s, differential interference contrast (DIC), holography, optical diffraction tomography (ODT), etc.)
• Coherent Raman spectroscopy techniques (CARS, SRS, etc.)
• Spontaneous Raman imaging
• Interferometric and coherence gated imaging (optical coherence tomography, etc.)
• Polarization and birefringence imaging
• Dark-field microscopy
• Brillouin microscopy (spontaneous and stimulated)
• High harmonic generation and nonlinear imaging and sensing
• Auto-fluorescence imaging and sensing
• Hyperspectral imaging and sensing
• Total internal reflection imaging and sensing
• Acoustic and photoacoustic imaging
• Plasmonic sensors
• Fiber-optics-based label-free bio-detectors
• Label-free imaging in the nano-scale
• On-chip implementations of label-free sensors
• Label-free imaging using optogenetic, gene expression and editing tools
• Workflow solutions for clinical, preclinical, life science, industrial, and environmental applications
• Advanced algorithms for label-free imaging and sensing.