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Advancing Brillouin Imaging and Correlative Spectroscopy
Bio- and Advanced Materials
LAB-ICS
LAB-ICS
Laboratory of Advanced Bio-Imaging and Correlative Spectroscopy
LAB-ICS
Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia
Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia (Italy)
Email: info@lab-ics.com
Copyright @ 2025 LAB-ICS. All Right Reserved.
Research Overview
Our research interests encompass a range of topics centered on light-matter interaction for characterizing the chemical, mechanical, and morphological properties of biological and advanced materials. These topics can be broadly categorized into three main areas: the technological development of spectroscopic and imaging techniques, the mechanical characterization of nano-structured materials, from cells and tissues under various physiological and pathological conditions to smart materials with tailored phononic properties. Additionally, our work explores fundamental aspects of light-matter interaction in the context of elastographic imaging, aiming to deepen our understanding of the interplay between phononic properties and light.
Research Lines
Technological advancement of Brillouin and Spectroscopic Techniques
Part of our research group activities is dedicated to advancing Brillouin spectroscopy and imaging technologies, with a strong focus on enhancing the performance and applicability of Brillouin microscopy. We have recently developed a novel approach for the simultaneous detection of Brillouin and Raman light scattering across an exceptionally broad spectral range, from fractions of GHz to hundreds of THz. This enables us to correlate changes in mechanical properties and chemical composition, which is crucial for reliable interpretation of Brillouin data and facilitating 3D micromechanical characterization of both biological materials under physiological and pathological conditions and nano-structured materials.
We are also interested in the development of innovative Brillouin strategies to improve acquisition speed while retaining good spectral resolution and sensitivity, pushing the boundaries of label-free, non-contact mechanical characterization at the microscale. Additionally, we explore the integration of Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy with complementary methods such as microfluidics, enabling new possibilities for biomedical and materials science applications.
We also develop and optimize innovative, cost-effective, and reliable assays for measuring cellular mechano-sensitivity, the ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli by converting them into biochemical signals that regulate cellular physiology and homeostasis. One of our approaches involves an open-hardware platform for controlled micro-indentation of single adherent cells, using a 3D-printed actuation system.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to expand the impact of Brillouin-based techniques in fields ranging from biophysics and mechanobiology to soft matter research and diagnostic technologies
Bio and Advanced Materials
Our research group uses light-matter interaction to explore the mechanical properties of a wide range of biological and bio-inspired materials. Utilizing a range of light-based experimental techniques, including correlative Brillouin-Raman spectroscopies, fluorescence microscopy, and others, we investigate the mechanics of cells and tissues under various physiological and pathological conditions, gaining insights into their structural organization and biomechanical behavior.
Beyond biological systems, we apply our expertise to the study of bio-inspired materials for technological applications, such as energy harvesting and biosensors, where mechanical properties play a critical role in performance.
Additionally, we explore advanced and smart materials, particularly in the field of phononic materials, to engineer novel functionalities for wave propagation control. By integrating spectroscopic techniques with interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to progressing the understanding and development of next-generation materials with tailored mechanical and optical properties.
Fundamentals of Light-Matter Interaction
Our group is also interested in fundamental aspects of light-matter interactions at the microscopic and mesoscopic scales, in particular in the context of Brillouin microscopy. In fact, interpreting Brillouin spectra of complex biological materials with intricate microstructures, such cells and tissues, remains challenging. Unlike homogeneous condensed matter, biological tissues, for instance, are highly heterogeneous, often exhibiting hierarchical structures and viscoelastic properties. Our works provide key insights into the typical problems of Brillouin microscopy applied to such systems, like the effect of phonon localization on micro-Brillouin imaging and the subtle interplay between between phonons propagation and
light focalization.
By investigating model (polymeric films, reconstituted biopolymer networks, micro and nano-particles, etc.) and real systems (cells, tissues, etc.), we contribute in the understanding of the role of the many typical length and time scales that govern Brillouin scattering, such as the phonon coherence length and wavelength, the diffraction limits of the illuminating light, as well as the characteristic dimensions of material heterogeneities.
We also shed light on the influence of multiple light scattering in the Brillouin signal, and how intrinsic material properties influence the interaction between photons and acoustic phonons. The ability to detect objects with varying stiffness hidden within turbid media, which make up most biological materials, could open new avenues for translating Brillouin microscopy into pathology diagnostics.
By leveraging these fundamental aspects of the light-matter interactions, we expand the potentiality of Brillouin spectroscopy not only for mechanical characterization but also for label-free, high-resolution imaging of sample morphology, demonstrating the possibility of correlating mechanical properties and shape of biological samples using a single technique.
By using the wealth of information present in the Brillouin spectrum, we aim to refine the interpretation of Brillouin spectra and push the boundaries of high-resolution mechanical imaging.