Work

Recent developments of micro-scaled LED-based technologies and mechanisms in the fields of healthcare

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Micro-scaled light-emitting diode (LED) technology has emerged as a transformative tool in biomedical applications, offering innovative solutions across disease surveillance, treatment, and symptom rehabilitation. In disease surveillance, micro-scaled LEDs enable real-time, noninvasive monitoring of physiological parameters through wearable devices, such as skin-like health patches and wireless pulse oximeters; these systems leverage the miniaturization, low power consumption, and high precision of micro-scaled LEDs to track heart rate, blood oxygenation, and neural activity with exceptional accuracy. For disease treatment, micro-scaled LEDs play a pivotal role in optogenetic stimulation and phototherapy. By delivering specific light wavelengths, they enable precise cellular control for cardiac regeneration, neural modulation, and targeted cancer therapies, such as photodynamic therapy with reduced invasiveness. In addition, wireless micro-scaled LED systems facilitate localized and sustained treatments for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. For symptom rehabilitation, micro-scaled LED-based devices enhance functional and aesthetic outcomes, exemplified by optical cochlear implants for high-resolution hearing restoration and flexible photostimulation patches for hair regrowth. The performance of micro-scale LEDs also brings new possibilities to the field of brain–computer interface. These applications highlight the versatility of micro-scaled LEDs in improving patient quality of life through minimally invasive, energy-efficient, and biocompatible solutions. Although there are still challenges in long-term stability and scalability, the integration of micro-scaled LEDs with advanced biomedical technologies promises to redefine personalized healthcare and therapeutic efficacy.

Source: Advanced Photonics Nexus

DOI: 10.1117/1.apn.4.5.054001